Who Wants French Fries Today?

Are you a foodie? If yes, then you know that each year on the second Friday in July, it's time to celebrate an American favorite, the almighty French fry. Today is National French Fry Day.

According to NationalDayCalendar, "French fries, also known as chips, fries, finger chips, or French-fried potatoes, are deep-fried potatoes. Though most people eat their fries with ketchup, some people dip their fries in ranch dressing, vinegar, or mayonnaise (very popular across Europe)."

According to the BBC, "According to popular folklore, the dish originated in the winter of 1680 in the freezing villages along the Meuse River (in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands). Because the river was frozen, the poor villagers could no longer fish, so they allegedly sliced potatoes into the shape of small fish and fried them as a replacement. Alternatively, some historians point to pushcart vendors on Paris' oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf, in the late 18th century as the inventors of the deep-fried pomme Pont-Neuf, giving Paris its own claim to the dish."

But according to Mashed, "The story of how fried potatoes became "French" fries usually points to World War One. When American soldiers were stationed in the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium, they encountered the fried potatoes and dubbed them "French fries" due to the language spoken by the Belgian locals."

And let's return to the BBC, "The British staple of fish and chips is yet another contender for the most emblematic fried-potato dish. While chips are slightly different from fries, particularly with regards to their shape, the similarities between the two are incontestable. In 1928, The New York Times declared fish and chips England's hot dog."

In Spain, fries are "patatas fritas;" in France, they're called "pommes frites;" and in the United Kingdom, they're simply called "chips."

So how can you celebrate today? Here are some expected fries deals from GiveAwayGoose.com:

(1) McDonald's: Free medium fries with any $1+ purchase in the McDonald's app (MyMcDonald's Rewards). McDonald's runs a "Free Fries Friday" deal most weeks, so this is one of the most reliable.

(2) Wendy's: Typically, a free any-size fry with any in-app purchase for Wendy's Rewards members.

(3) Sonic: Free medium fries or tots with any purchase via the Sonic app.

(4) Burger King: Royal Perks members usually get a fry deal (often free fries with a purchase) on or around fry day.

(5) Checkers & Rally's: Known for a genuinely free fry promotion — in past years a free large fry, sometimes by showing a recent competitor's fry receipt, with no other purchase required.

(6) Smashburger: Often a free fry with any online, in-app, or in-store purchase (sometimes needs a promo code).

(7) Wayback Burgers: A discounted ($1) regular fry for Wayback Rewards members.

(8) Del Taco: Del Yeah! Rewards members often get a free regular fries with any purchase.

SHARE THIS: What do French fries do when they meet after a long time? They ketchup. #NationalFrenchFryDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

From a marketing perspective, while you may be familiar with Ty toys, have you seen Spuds? The "Ty French Fries toy" is called Spuds and is part of the Ty Beanie Bouncers collection. This pint-sized plush toy features a bright red fry carton base with a smiling face and sunlit, golden fries poking out of the top.

What other brands celebrate this fun holiday? Chime in and share.

Image Credits: Ty, Inc. and The NPD GroupCrest (data).