Did you know Islands purchases about 7 MILLION POUNDS of potatoes each year?!  All to ensure we provide the freshest, tastiest fries to you, our guests!  We pride ourselves in the process of how we wash, cut, and blanch our potatoes every morning.  We’re committed to preparing the best fresh-cut fries possible that sets us apart in our industry.

We source our potatoes from a very very limited, select group of farmers and purchase the potatoes that are known for yielding the best French Fry.  These potatoes, known as the Chippers, are big, hefty potatoes with a rich, earthy flavor.  They possess just the right amount of starchiness which allows them to produce the perfect golden coloring. They are the perfect potato to use for french fries. 

Each Islands location receives 2-3 shipments of fresh potatoes each week and trains their kitchen to know how to prepare the best quality fries.  We use a classic double frying method that is one of the most impotant pieces of the process.  The fries are first blanched in hot oil at about 300 degrees.  Next, they are quickly chilled and rested.  Then, they are given a second frying (once you place your order) at a higher temperature to give them their classic, crispy brown color and texture. Finally, the finished fries are tossed in our signature seasoning and served to your table hot!  To show you a peak into this process, we created a quick video summarizing our process each day.  We hope you enjoy!

Fun Facts on the History of Potatoes and Fries

• - The Incas of Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes around 8000 BC to 5000 BC.
• - The potato is the world’s fourth largest food crop, following rice, wheat and maize.
• - French Fries were introduced to the US when Thomas Jefferson served them in the White House during his presidency of 1801-1809.
• - During the Alaskan Klondike gold rush, potatoes were practically worth their weight in gold.
• - In October 1995, the potato became the first vegetable to be grown in space.
• - A potato has more potassium than a banana!