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, 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 chips were delectable. they became a regular item on the restaurant's menu and, in time, became a staple of the global fast food industry. clearly not all accidents are bad. some have made our lives richer, sweeter, and tastier