Did you know that today is National French Fry Day? It’s the ideal occasion for scoring deals, discounts, and even free fries at some venues. It also provides the perfect opportunity to look into the history and heritage of one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most beloved French Fry establishments of all time—the one most often attributed to having both set and invented the precedent for the boardwalk style fries now synonymous with beach scenes everywhere. I am, of course, referring to none other than that Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk cult classic Thrasher’s Fries.
Since the company’s establishment nearly a century ago, it’s been a common sight to see extensive, seemingly unending beelines of folks swarming to snag brimming bucket-like paper cups crammed with those famed fries of honor. It poses the question of what makes Thrasher’s Fries so much better than all the others. But there is not just one simple summary answer that will suffice. First, you have their time-tested commitment to quality, always serving up the freshest, finest flavors, of course. But there’s also so much more to the story. That’s why, for this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m delving into the history and ongoing popularity of Ocean City’s famed Thrasher’s Fries.
A Novel Concept
Back in the year 1929, Georgian native J.T. Thrasher arrived on the scene at the Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk. What he brought with him was a fresh, new, innovative concept to the food vending industry. His goal was to establish a concession stand specializing in one sole product that, before then, was typically served as a side accompaniment to a main meal. That starring specialty would be the best-tasting quality French Fries the world would ever know.
Thrasher met his fair share of doubters and naysayers who voiced their skepticism about the enterprise he envisioned. But as a faith-filled and upbeat man, he stayed true to his dreams and beliefs, forging ahead to make it all a reality.
An Instant Success!
When J.T. Thrasher opened his humble French Fry stand at its established location on the scenic Ocean City Boardwalk, it proved to be an instant success! Part of the appeal and charm of Thrasher’s can be credited to professional work ethics and the dedicated, devoted staff he employed. The team comprised hardworking, responsible girls from a Christian-affiliated school based in his hometown in Georgia. Thrasher, always the kind, considerate boss, even provided dormitory housing for the young ladies!
Another contributing factor to Thrasher’s French Fry fame was, quite obviously, the quality taste of the finished product. These fries proved to be the ultimate culmination of fresh, quality ingredients and the perfect proprietary blend (a balanced mixture of vinegar and salt) in tandem with the improved frying methods he utilized.
Thrasher personally sought out only the best of the best potatoes in the process, often bringing in spuds from regions far and wide, depending on the season and availability. Since the early days, Thrasher’s has come to be known for using Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes, specifically. In addition, the company incorporates a uniquely invented form of potato slicer designed exclusively for their onsite productions.
Passing of the Torch
When his health started to decline, Thrasher began the process of seeking out a trusted local business owner to take over his famed French Fry enterprise. Like his quality standards in all else, he would only pick the best of the best—a person he knew he could trust to maintain and honor all that he had created. That man was the renowned Ocean City entrepreneur Franklin Hastings.
Thrasher’s Fries remained a timeless, unchanged hit under Franklin’s leadership. The only real change to the company came with the relocation of the concession stand to a new site, still located on the Boardwalk.
The business changed hands a third time in 1974 when Charles R. Jenkins purchased the company following the death of Franklin Hastings. He remains the company’s owner today, upholding the timeless quality standards originally put in place by Thrasher himself.
There are currently three Thrasher’s Fries locations on the Boardwalk. They can be found at the Pier, on 2nd Street/Boardwalk, and on 9th Street/Boardwalk. Learn more about Thrasher’s history and its ongoing legacy as a foodie favorite destination on the website at www.thrashersfries.com.