If you enjoy Newman’s Potato Crisps as much as we do, you’ll be fascinated to know the history of how the very first crisp was invented. This incredible story involves a disgruntled customer, a witty chef, and a surprising invention born out of anger.

The year was 1853 at the Moon’s Lake House in New York. The chef at this famous resort was George Crum (born George Speck), an African American man recognized for his exceptional culinary skills during a time when his success was particularly remarkable.

The story goes that one day, a wealthy and picky customer repeatedly sent his order of thick, traditional French-fried potatoes (chips) back to the kitchen, complaining they were too thick and soggy. This constant criticism did not sit well with the highly-regarded Chef Crum.

Frustrated, Crum decided to play a joke on the customer: he sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until they were brittle and crunchy, and then sprinkled some salt, making them impossible to eat with a fork.

To Crum’s astonishment, the customer loved the new, crispy creation! They quickly became a local sensation. Crum later opened his own restaurant where a basket of these famous crisps was a staple on every table. This moment was the official beginning of the potato crisps as we know them today.

Over the years, the crisp evolved from a regional restaurant treat into one of the world’s most popular snacks. This journey, sparked by a picky customer hundreds of years ago, truly serves to show that listening to customers, even the frustrating ones, has great value and can lead to true innovation.

So, as you enjoy the crunch of your Newman’s Potato Crisps, whether it’s the original flavor or our delicious variations like barbecue, fruit chutney, lemon or tomato, crunch away as you learn the history of this ‘accidental’ invention.

Taste the Magic!