Invention in Frustration

Today, the most consumed snack in the world is potato chips. It has a market ‘capitalization’ of 30 billion dollars globally. The brand Lays (Pepsico) reported that last year alone, they sold 372 million packets in the United States. They didn't disclose the global sales figures. It's not surprising that Bill Gates farms potatoes on 14,000 acres.

Did you know that potato chips, a billion-dollar business that the world craves, were invented by someone in a cusp of anger?

In 1853, a chef named George Crum, working at a restaurant called Moon Lake House in New York City, invented them out of “frustration”. Yes, you read it right!

One night, a customer sent back his order of French fries, complaining they weren't crispy enough. George Crum cooked another batch, but the customer still wasn't satisfied and returned. This happened four times. In a fit of rage, Crum sliced the potatoes as thin as he could and fried them in oil until crispy. When he tasted one, it was an incredible, crunchy item. He sprinkled a little salt on them and sent them back out. The customer loved them and asked for the name of this new dish. Crum named them “Saratoga Chips”, after the town where the restaurant was located.

What started as a job done in anger has now become a beloved snack worldwide.

So, the next time you feel really angry, don't just sit around and curse. Do something productive. Who knows, you might invent something famous on a global scale.

Disclaimer: The snack in the subject may not be a healthy option, but the story is motivating stuff. So consume the story and apply discretion while consuming snacks.