Idaho Fry Company

 A restaurant named The Idaho Fry Company has a mission statement that goes like this: “Because for too long restaurants have persecuted fries, treated them like second-class citizens, stuffed them with preservatives and MSG, and forced them to share fryers with drumsticks and jalapeño poppers. And why? Have not these beautiful, slender pieces of fried potato graciously accompanied entrées without condition or prejudice? Have not fries comforted, satiated, and delighted us? Are fries not entrée worthy? These are the questions that we have asked.”

 And despite answering with what they believe is a heartier, healthier French fry, the Idaho Potato Commission has ordered, under a certification mark, that they re-name their business. Owner Blake Lingle and I discussed this in a phone call. “I happen to know the Commissioner of the Idaho Potato Commission and he’s a pretty good guy. What does he care if you call it Idaho Fries. Did he think you were trying to sully the name of Idaho potatoes? You know I think that’s what he thinks. We don’t know either. We don’t understand how it wasn’t going to be a mutual beneficial relationship. We’re promoting a healthier fry. Our fries have a slightly higher price than other fast food restaurants. We were shocked that they didn’t think it was a great idea and that they didn’t want to somehow partner.