Exploring the Origins of Curly Fries and Their Evolution in American Cuisine

Curly fries, a beloved alternative to the classic straight-cut French fries, have a fascinating history that extends well beyond the 1980s. While many associate curly fries with fast food chains like Arby's, the true origins of this crispy delight are more complex and intriguing than one might expect.

Early Evidence of Curly Fries

The exact inventor of curly fries is unclear, but evidence points to the existence of such fries as early as the 19th century. For instance, a 1940 advertisement for the Dolores Restaurant and Inn in Oklahoma City mentions "Suzi-Q fries," which may have been curly fries. This suggests that curly fries were not a novelty invention of the 1980s, but rather an older culinary tradition that was adapted to the fast food industry.

The Inception and Spread of Curly Fries

A interesting piece of early history revolves around a man named M.C. Dolores and his daughter, Suzi-Q. Dolores opened his first restaurant in 1930 and invented "Suzi-Q potatoes" in 1938, which were well-received by customers. The restaurant was located along Route 66 and served a variety of crispy potato shapes, including those resembling curly fries. As the success of the restaurant grew, Dolores and his wife moved to California and opened additional locations. The original restaurant in Oklahoma stayed open until 1974, thereby extending the reach of curly fries to a broader American audience.

The Role of Fast Food Chains

While early evidence suggests the existence of curly fries, it's the fast food industry, particularly Arby's, that brought them to the mainstream. Arby's didn't originate until the 1960s, making it unlikely that they were the first to introduce curly fries to the American population. However, Arby's embraced the innovation and became one of the most prominent brands to popularize the dish. In the 1980s, Arby's started serving curly fries, which became a staple menu item and greatly contributed to the widespread acceptance of this unique fry shape.

The Accidental Creation of Curly Fries

According to some sources, the idea for curly fries might have originated in an unexpected place: a Burger King kitchen in Chicago. It is believed that James Trotter and David Edgerton, employees at Burger King, created the first curly fries by mistake. While attempting to cut potatoes for a more traditional fry shape, the fry cutters they used produced a curly cut. Recognizing the potential of the unique shape, the company decided to embrace this new fry style, leading to its widespread commercialization.

Mechanical Production and Commercialization

The commercial success of curly fries was also due to advancements in mechanical cutting technology. Initially, curly fries were produced using hand-cutters at small venues like county and state fairs. However, as the popularity of curly fries grew, a frozen potato company realized the potential to mass-produce the product. They developed a mechanical cutter that could efficiently cut potatoes into curly shapes, enabling the consistent and commercial production of this crispy treat.

Curly fries have played a significant role in American fast food culture, evolving from a niche tradition to a beloved staple. The exact origins remain somewhat unclear, but the story of curly fries is one of creativity, innovation, and the adaptations of a classic dish to meet the evolving tastes of consumers.