When did burgers meet fries?

[blackbookali]

I have found information on the origin of each but not on when the two icons became best friend and how - anyone have any insight?

[Harters]

The first Wimpy opened in the UK in 1954, selling burgers. No doubt, it sold British style chips at that time, rather than the thinner American/Belgian style.

McDonald's didnt arrive here until 1974 so that probably dates the matching of fries to burgers here. Thin fries are sold in American owned /franchised places and places trying to market themseles on an American style. Other places, including takeaways, are much more likely to sell British style chips.

[fldhkybnva]

I'm glad they met and have to divorce. Would love to hear responses to this thread, very interesting OP

[GH1618]

Fries became generally known to Americans after the First World War. White Castle was established in 1921. I'm guessing they added them pretty early if not at the outset.

[Bacardi1]

Well, back in the early 1960's, when I was a little sprout, I very fondly remember the excitement of dining at "McDonald's" - always on a Saturday when my parents would do all their shopping since mom didn't drive, & dad got home too late during the week.

I must have been a maximum of 10 years old. Back then the menu was limited - Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, & those wonderful thin golden fries. Only other menu items that remember were coffee & chocolate & vanilla shakes.

So fries definitely were being paired with burgers in the early '60's.

[lcool]

good question

Certainly by 1950 they were mainstream in Bethesda,Md
at the Hot Shops,Marriot corp