Restaurants are navigating challenging times, with staffing shortages, supply chain pressures, and rising costs all impacting daily operations. Yet, even in this climate, menu innovation remains vital. Diners continue to crave novelty. In fact, 74% of consumers say they actively look forward to emerging food and drink trends, and nearly a third proudly describe themselves as foodies.

The good news? Keeping your menu exciting doesn’t always require new stock or complex ingredients. By repurposing what you already use, you can introduce fresh dishes without inflating inventory or complicating prep. This approach not only helps control costs but also maintains consistency and efficiency across your kitchen.

From Side Dish to Showstopper

Fries are already one of the most profitable and popular items on any menu. By turning them into loaded fries, you can elevate a classic into something new, creative, and highly appealing. With 51% of consumers actively seeking more unique fry options, this presents a prime opportunity to transform a side dish into a hero.

The formula is simple: take fries as your base and add three elements: a protein, a cheese, and a sauce. Many operators are already doing this successfully by adapting popular menu items. For example, if your chicken Parmesan or signature pizza sells well, those same flavours can be layered onto fries.

Homemade sauces or dips can also be used to differentiate your offering. Even something as simple as seasoned mayonnaise turned into an aioli can make a loaded fry dish stand out. A great example is turning buffalo chicken wings into a loaded fry special, adding sauce, ranch, or cheese, and topping it with sliced carrots and celery on top of fries for strong visual appeal and a familiar yet exciting twist.

Best Fries for Loading

Not all fries are created equal when it comes to loading. Fries that hold their texture and crunch are essential for piling on toppings. Recommended options include:

Explore the full Aviko range via Magna Foodservice:

Aviko Full Range

The Rise of Loaded Fries

What was once a simple side has now become a menu star. Across the UK, “dirty fries” are everywhere, from Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries smothered in cheese sauce, to Turtle Bay’s Dirty Curry Fries, to independent operators experimenting with global flavours like kimchi, jackfruit, and pastrami.

The beauty of loaded fries is their versatility: they can be tailored to local tastes, dietary needs, or seasonal specials. They also encourage sharing, with larger portion sizes turning a side dish into a social main event.

Loaded Fries, Loaded Margins

The economics of loaded fries are just as appealing as the flavours. Fries themselves are relatively inexpensive, but when combined with well-chosen toppings from Canadian poutine to bacon and cheese, they create a dish that feels indulgent while delivering healthy margins.

As long as operators manage portion sizes and topping costs, loaded fries can transform a low-cost staple into a high-value dish that customers are willing to pay more for.

Final Thoughts

Loaded fries aren’t just another passing food trend; they’re a smart and profitable way to elevate your menu. They let you reuse existing ingredients, reduce costs, and satisfy customers who want something exciting and shareable. With endless topping options, they provide a blank canvas for creativity while driving stronger returns.

By partnering with trusted suppliers like Magna Foodservice and using quality bases from Aviko, operators can bring loaded fries to life in ways that keep customers coming back for more.