In 1853, at a resort in Saratoga Springs, New York, a talented chef named George Crum—born to a Native American mother and African American father—accidentally created one of America’s favorite snacks: the potato chip. The story goes that a demanding customer kept sending back his fried potatoes, complaining they were too thick and soggy.
Fed up, Crum decided to make a point. He sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until they were crisp, and added extra salt—hoping to annoy the guest. But the plan backfired in the best possible way: the customer loved them. The crispy, salty treat quickly became a hit at the resort, soon known as “Saratoga Chips.”
While variations on fried potatoes existed before, Crum’s version helped popularize the snack across America. Riding the wave of success, he even opened his own restaurant, serving potato chips at every table. His story is a powerful reminder that creativity can spring from even the most frustrating moments—and that a simple idea can change the way the world snacks forever.
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