Black Mug (11oz, 15oz) “The Chip That Changed Snack History – George Crum”

George Crum (born George Speck, 1824–1914) was an American chef of African American and Native American heritage, best known for his connection to the invention of potato chips.

Key Moments in His Legacy

• Early Life & Culinary Career – Born in Saratoga County, New York, Crum worked as a hunter and guide before discovering his talent for cooking. He became a chef at Moon’s Lake House, a prestigious restaurant in Saratoga Springs.
• The Potato Chip Story – The famous tale suggests that in 1853, a customer (often said to be Cornelius Vanderbilt) complained that his French fries were too thick. In response, Crum sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them to a crisp, and seasoned them with salt. The customer loved them, and Saratoga Chips were born.
• Entrepreneurship – In 1860, Crum opened his own restaurant, Crum’s Place, where he served baskets of chips at every table. His establishment became popular among wealthy tourists.
• Legacy & Debate – While Crum helped popularize potato chips, his sister, Catherine “Aunt Kate” Wicks, also claimed to have invented them. Additionally, recipes for thinly sliced fried potatoes existed before Crum’s time, making the true origin of potato chips a subject of debate.

His story is one of culinary innovation and entrepreneurship