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Al's French Frys
Al’s French Frys, located in South Burlington, Vermont, USA, was founded in 1946 by Al and Genevieve Rusterholz. This iconic restaurant received the prestigious “America’s Classic” award from the James Beard Foundation in 2010.
History
Al’s French Frys was established by Al and Genevieve Rusterholz in the late 1940s. Their exceptional french fries swiftly transformed Al’s into an iconic spot in the Burlington area. The original South Burlington building, depicted below, boasted an open front counter and lacked indoor seating, set amidst what was once surrounding farmland, now urbanized. In 1983, Bill and Lee Bissonette acquired the restaurant, prompting several expansions to the building over time. Yet, the fries have remained unchanged, earning a nationwide reputation. Lee Bissonette retired in 2016, passing the reins to Bill and his son Shane. The trailer showcased to the right, stationed in Mallets Bay, sports a 1947 license plate, marking the precursor to Al’s french fry stands at the Champlain Valley Fair and various other events. Thank you for visiting Al’s, and savor the experience!
Established
Owner
Previous owner(s)
Street address
City
State
Website
1940’s
Bill and Shane Bissonette
Al and Genevieve Rusterholz
1251 Williston Road
South Burlington
Vermont
FAQ
Who is the owner of Al’s French Fry’s?
The current owners of Al’s French Fry’s are Bill and Shane Bissonette. They took over the business from Lee Bissonette, who retired in 2016.
What are the different names for french fries?
French fries go by various names around the world. In the UK, they’re often called “chips,” while in Australia and New Zealand, they’re referred to as “hot chips.” In parts of Canada, especially in Quebec, they’re known as “poutine,” when topped with cheese curds and gravy. And of course, there’s the classic “fries” in the United States.
What kind of cut is a French fry?
French fries typically come in two primary cuts: the classic “julienne” cut, which produces long, thin fries, and the thicker “steak cut,” which results in chunkier fries. Both cuts offer a satisfying crunch with a fluffy interior.
Where are French Fry’s from?
While the exact origins of French fries are disputed, they are commonly associated with Belgium and France. Belgians claim they invented the fry, while the French assert their contribution. However, they gained popularity in the United States through Belgian immigrants in the late 19th century.
Who did Fry’s merge with?
Fry’s Electronics, a popular electronics retailer, merged with Electronics Boutique Holdings Corporation in 2001. This merger formed the company we know today as GameStop Corporation, a major player in the video game industry.
What are McDonald’s fries called?
McDonald’s fries are simply referred to as “McDonald’s fries.” They have become iconic for their thin, crispy texture and signature seasoning.
What are the 4 types of fries?
The four main types of fries are the classic French fry, steak fries (thicker-cut fries), curly fries (twisted and seasoned), and waffle fries (crosshatch patterned). Each type offers a unique texture and flavor experience.
Why are fries called French?
Despite their name, French fries likely originated in Belgium. The term “French” may have been adopted because of the way the potatoes are cut (julienne), or it could be a linguistic misinterpretation of “frenching,” an old term for cutting food into thin strips.
