Potatoes USA recently hosted foodservice operators for a three-day culinary immersion in Denver, representing national and regional brands including Chili’s, Church’s Chicken, Buddha Bowls + Rolls and Buckhorn BBQ + Grill. The event’s goal was to get operators thinking about how to menu more potatoes.
A highlight of the experience was a visit to a fourth-generation, family-owned farm. Participants toured the farm’s operations and got a firsthand look at potatoes being planted. One operator shared, “I loved the farm tour. It was very cool to meet the farmer and pick their brain — seeing the whole process was incredibly valuable.”
Participants also rolled up their sleeves in the Spud Lab, Potatoes USA’s state-of-the-art test kitchen, where they explored innovative ways to incorporate more potatoes into menu offerings. They learned a variety of techniques designed to elevate everyday potatoes into standout culinary creations, while emphasizing current food trends.
Discussion focused on growing items, including truffle fries, buffalo chicken fries, and loaded fries, which resonate with Gen Z diners who favor bold sauces and globally inspired, spicy flavors. The conversation also focused on emerging menu opportunities driven by consumer demand. For instance, gluten-free pizza — often made with potato flour — has experienced a 305 percent increase in menu penetration over the past four years.
One operator noted after the event, “I want to go experiment with mashed potatoes,” and “lots of good insight on fries and loaded fries.” Another said they were looking forward to using dehydrated potatoes to add moisture to baked goods.
On their final day, participants did a market immersion, which included a tour of some of Denver’s most innovative and acclaimed restaurants to gain culinary inspiration for more potato-forward dishes. These included:
- Atomic Cowboy, which offers a fresh take on classic American cuisine, including hash brown patties and Sully’s Fries (waffle fries smothered in house-made sausage or vegetarian mushroom gravy, pimento cheese sauce, bacon, and green onions)
- Los Socios Birrieria, renowned for its authentic and flavorful birria
- Cherry Cricket, which offers unique burgers that blend classic flavors with a distinct twist
- Mizu Izakaya, which is known for its potato korokke, a delicacy featuring a golden, crisp exterior with smooth, savory potato filling.