But, if crunchy, salty treats like potato chip are you 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, Geoge 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,complaining 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. To Crum's astonishment, the customer thought the chip were delectable. They became a regular item on the restaurant's menu and, in time, became a staple of the global fast food industry.