The Growth and Decline of the Potato Bar
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| Image 1 |
Topped Baked Potatoes (chili, cheese broccoli) first appeared on chain restaurant menus with Wendy’s, based in Ohio in October 1983 in 2500 locations.
- A potato bar eventually was part of a hot food bar selection evolved to a method where the customers became part of the preparation steps; similar to the salad bar as introduced in 1951 at the Cliffs then by Chuck’s Steak House in 1961 and Steak and Brew and the Refectory chain in California in the 70’s.
- The potato bar initially had the potential to bring new customers into the restaurant or fast food location in commercial operations and increased average checks. In the non commercial arena schools, business dining and health care cafeterias found that converting a “cold” salad bar to a “hot” potato bar gave added sales to wintertime and fall business as well as acting as a monotony breaker.
- To encourage converting salad bars or adding potatoes to an existing unit
the IPC published a potato bar guide in 1989 and later held a contest to
win a prototype potato bar. (Image 1) This was displayed at a “Branding” conference
held in Philadelphia in 1995. And the winning prize was sent to Texas
Tech University. The cart including graphics and equipment cost $12,725
and utilized a cold and hot display section.
- In 1993 Morrison’s Hospitality Group introduced a new potato self-serve
bar called “Spuddles” and utilized Idaho potatoes in all 900 of
their health care, education and corporate accounts. (Image 2) The
IPC, in partnership with Morrison’s created point of purchase material,
2X3 foot advertising banners for each unit and preparation/merchandising brochures. Note-
Morrison’s was a division of Morrison’s restaurants which included
the Ruby Tuesday chain.
- The Idaho Potato Commission still promotes the use of potato bars (fresh
baked, mashed or French fries) with merchandising materials or posters (Image
3).
- Portion control, food costs that are variable and food safety issues
have combined to make potato bars less of an attraction,
but potato bars are still popular with customers when offered.
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| Image 2 |
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| Image 3 |
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