But, if crunchy, salty treats like potato chips are your preference, then you owe a debt of gratitude to a cranky chef and a picky diner who lived over 150 years ago. On August 24,1853 , George Crum was working as a chef in a restaurant when he became frustrated with a customer. The customer had repeatedly sent back his french fries, complaning that they were too thick and soggy. Fed up , Crum decided to teach him a lesson. Crum sliced the potatoes as thinly as possible and fried them in grease.