The History of Cape Cod Potato Chips

Steve Bernard founded Cape Cod Potato Chips with his family in 1980. Steve was frustrated with the low-quality snack options available at the time and was reportedly inspired by all-natural potato chips being made in Maui. He left his job, bought a potato slicer, and set out to create some back-to-basics potato chips. He began selling his old-fashioned, kettle-cooked potato chips out of a small storefront in Hyannis, Massachusetts in 1980. His wife Lynn, who had previously owned a natural foods store, sold her shares of the venture to her sister and joined Steve at the new business. At first, they produced just 200 bags per day with the help of a small team. The business was slow to get off the ground, but after a harrowing accident that involved a car going through the storefront window (reportedly narrowly missing Steve and Lynn's daughter), there was suddenly more attention on the business and the insurance money helped keep them afloat. The uniquely made chips began to catch on because they stood out from competitor products, most of which were made using a very different process. (Interestingly, Cape Cod Potato Chips helped re-popularize kettle-cooked chips, which are made using an old method that had fallen out of favor by the 1980s.) To keep up with the rising demand from locals and tourists visiting for the summer, a large factory was opened in Hyannis around 1985. (Notably, the factory was in continual operation until very recently and was known for offering tours, although it seems to have been closed in recent years.) The founding family sold the business around this same time, and it has since changed hands several times. Soon, Cape Cod Chips were being distributed nationally and had gained a large following all over the country, but especially in their home region of New England. In response to this success, the company began introducing new products and flavors, including the ever-popular Sea Salt & Vinegar flavor as well as the beloved Dark Russet Chips, which launched in 2000. The Waffle line followed in 2011 and the Waves line launched in 2018. If you’re curious, the brand’s most popular flavors are: Original, Reduced Fat, and Sea Salt & Vinegar. Want another fun fact? The packaging, which has remained consistent throughout the brand’s history and draws from its New England roots, is based on the real-life Nauset Lighthouse located in Eastham, Massachusetts. Today, Cape Cod Potato Chips are available in all 50 states and have legions of devoted fans all over the country.