Arby’s has long been home to the iconic Curly Fries, sliced up curly and fried to crispy perfection. And while Curly Fries are beloved and have a massive following, V.P. of Culinary innovation & Brand Executive Chef Neville Craw and the Arby’s culinary team wanted to create an option that speaks to more of the classic fry fans.
“Our research, from a popularity standpoint, showed that crinkle fries seemed to have the most enjoyment and appeal to guests who wanted a different fry,” said Craw. “There are hundreds of size choices, length and potato types. Once we got into crinkle, there was a multitude of iterations we went through before landing on what we did. But Josh Mcnelly on my team worked to find the perfect balance of flash, fry and crunchiness.”
“To be part of a historic space with our Curly Fries, then to to add something and change the landscape with Crinkle Fries and talk to new guests is really exciting. Drawing in new guests, that’s the fun part of all of this.” Neville Craw, Arby’s V.P. of Culinary innovation & Brand Executive
According to Mcnelly, the shape of the crinkle fry is designed to have sharper peaks and deeper valleys versus a standard crinkle fry, giving it a crispier texture. A light batter also helps the fry retain its temperature, so the fry stays hotter longer. That build offers a nice change of pace for fry enthusiasts at Arby’s.
“Curly Fries have our signature Curly Fry flavor, which is a bit more seasoned,” Craw said. “I would say the Crinkle Fry is a crunchy, salty, potato experience that you would expect from a lightly-battered, seasoned fry like this one.”
As Arby’s continues to draw in new guests with innovation across its menu, Craw is looking forward to continuing to Inspire Smiles Through Delicious Experiences with both the Curly and Crinkle Fries.
“Our Curly Fries aren’t going anywhere,” Craw said. “This was really an opportunity for us to reach people out there, specifically, potentially kids that either like multiple fry options or the straight-style french fry. For us, it’s not an either or thing. We want people to enjoy the fry, depending on their mood. Curly fries and roast beef, chicken offerings and the straight fry, those are a matches made in heaven. It’s giving another option to people who might want to enjoy a different fry experience from time to time or those people who just really like a straight potato fry.”
Crinkle Fries are available in Arby’s restaurants nationwide. Click here to find your closest Arby’s location.
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