It’s no surprise fries have an entire day dedicated to them—they’re heavy hitters in terms of consumer appeal, opportunities for culinary innovation, and growing check sizes. This National French Fry Day (coming up on July 10), consider how fries can be an Operator’s secret weapon; by utilizing fries for exciting LTOs or a classic loaded dish, Operators can drum up excitement for the fry-lover's favorite day of the year.

Fries consistently garnered higher purchase interest than other appetizers and sides over the last 8 years, with over half of consumers interested in purchasing À La Carte fry LTOs in 2022, on average. Additionally, Appetizers and sides are the top category consumers are interested in seeing as limited time offers ("LTOs") (Datassential’s LTOs Keynote Report, May 2022).  Operators can utilize this customer buzz by creating enticing fry LTOs for National French Fry Day by innovating recipes with trending sauces and toppings and sharing to social media; after all, 61% of consumers trust influencer recommendations on social media (Shopify, 2022).

Fries are a great choice for getting consumers excited while keeping innovation simple for back-of-house. With endless potential for creativity through on-hand (and on-trend) sauces and mashups, fry innovation doesn’t have to mean more SKUs. Plus, loaded fries can boost check sizes and justify inflation-driven price increases. All of this means a win-win situation for both the operator and the consumer – certainly cause for celebration this upcoming National French Fry Day on July 10!

For National French Fry Day, craveable sauces and cheese pairings can serve as delicious fry enhancements for topped and loaded dishes consumers will love. Consider what’s already available in your Operator’s kitchen, like shredded cheese, pizza sauce, or pico de gallo, as potential ingredients for a budget friendly and craveable LTO or inspire them to get creative! Data shows that consumers continue to have a growing interest for global flavors and ingredients, with 55% of consumers choosing globally influenced foods over other choices at restaurants (Menu Trends, Datassential, December, 2025). Encourage your Operators to get innovative and creative with their fry LTOs for National French Fry Day, adding global flavors and ingredients to reinvent the classic fry their guests already know and love!

Did you know that loaded fries can justify a higher price point? Fry apps & sides with “loaded” in the name command a price that is more than three dollars higher than fries overall* (at QSR, too!). Balance out inflation-based price increases by loading up fry dishes with on-hand, trend-forward sauces and cheese, growing the check while adding value for consumers.

*MEDIAN PRICE of app/entrée fry dishes with “loaded” in name vs. overall, Datassential MenuTrends, YE Mar 2023

There has been an increase in popularity of making the fry the topping or filling of classic comfort foods. Fries grew 22% as a liked pizza topping over the past 4 years and 74% as a burrito ingredient (Datassential MenuTrends YE Dec 2022). Have your Operators consider adding fries to a dish their restaurant already offers, like a loaded fry pizza with bacon, ranch, and mozzarella or stuffed inside a California-style burrito with carne asada, cheese, and pico de gallo.