When you think of French fries, you probably picture them next to a hamburger or other dish. But now, fries can actually stand on their own as a main course thanks to #getfried Fry Cafe.
Read more about this new spin on fries and the business behind it in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
What the Business Does
Offers french fries with a twist.
Founder Chris Covelli told Small Business Trends, “#getfried Fry Cafe is a quick-serve restaurant franchise specializing in gourmet topped French fries and finger foods for the on-the-go consumer. The concept offers six types of fries: hand cut, coated straight cut, seasoned waffle, curly, sweet potato and funnel cake fries. Fries can then be customized with shredded chicken, ground beef or chili, and topped with chipotle seasoning, gravy, Nutella, hummus or truffle oil.”
Business Niche
Variety.
Covelli says, “Many competing concepts serve one type of fry. We have six. This offers greater variety and endless customization, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction.”
How the Business Got Started
Because of an untapped market.
Covelli explains, “I was introduced to French fry cafes in the Netherlands and Canada, and realized the U.S. market was relatively untapped for similar gourmet French fry restaurants. We opened the first #getfried location … in Buffalo, NY in 2015, and now have two locations in Western New York and one in San Antonio, Texas, with others under development.”
Biggest Win
Signing its first franchise agreement in San Antonio, Texas.
Covelli says, “The group is led by Craig Christopher, a veteran of the restaurant and hospitality industry and former Subway Sandwiches franchise owner. Interested in going into business for himself, he was attracted to #getfried because of the reasonable franchise and development costs, simple operations and edgy brand strategy.”
Biggest Risk
Opening in a Buffalo shopping mall.
Covelli explains, “Shopping malls in Buffalo depend heavily on Canadian shoppers, and in the past year and a half, the Canadian dollar has weakened. Opening our first location in a mall was a risky move considering the decline in Canadian visitors, but #getfried was a strong concept and the first location was a huge success among consumers — leading us to open a second #getfried in Buffalo shortly afterward.”
Lesson Learned
Take advantage of growing trends.
Covelli says, “Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, and also yield a lower startup cost. If the franchise concept debuted with a food truck, we could have built brand awareness and demand in the region at a lower cost before rolling out a brick-and-mortar location. #getfried now operates a successful food truck in San Antonio, and also expects to debut one in Buffalo, NY in the coming months.”
Special Event
Fry eating contest!
Covelli says, “To celebrate the grand opening of the first #getfried location, we held a French fry eating contest in the main lobby of the mall. Ten contestants had to eat three large, loaded fry baskets in less than 10 minutes. It was estimated that the three baskets combined weighed between five and seven pounds!”
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Images: #getfried Fry Cafe; Top Image: Chris Covelli
I think that it is a good idea. So many people go to fast food joints just for the fries. I am also guilty of that. Variety is sure to get the millennials as well.