Sixty Percent of Americans Order Extra Fries to Avoid Sharing

The National Fry Audit, which surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults, reveals that for many, the quality of a side dish has become a primary driver for restaurant selection. Eighty-two percent of respondents chose a fast-food chain specifically for its fries, while 63% ranked fry quality as a critical factor in their dining decisions. Scott Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, noted that the data confirms a shift in consumer expectations toward hot, crispy, and aggressively seasoned potatoes.

Public sentiment regarding fry standards remains rigid, with 72% of survey participants suggesting that serving soggy fries should be classified as a food crime. While 75% of Americans demand crispiness, more than one in four reported that it is the quality most frequently missing from their fast-food orders. These expectations vary by demographic: older generations prioritize heat, whereas younger consumers—specifically Millennials and Gen Z—place a significantly higher value on bold flavor profiles.

To mark National French Fry Day, the company is launching a three-day promotion from July 10–12. Customers can receive a buy-one-get-one-free offer on any size of the chain's signature seasoned fries, alongside a $1 sauce trio featuring ranch, honey mustard, and their proprietary Secret Sauce.