When Michael Moeller decided in 2019 that he wanted locally made potato chips for Milwaukee, he had no idea just how local they could be, writes Carol Deptolla in an article for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In early March, Moeller made his first sales and deliveries to Milwaukee businesses, produced by the newly founded Milwaukee Chip Co.
As for raw product, “I think I called … about every potato farm in the state with a list of questions,” he said, and found his match in fourth-generation grower Okray Family Farms in Plover, WI.
“Those guys have the kind of potato I like,” – a russet, he said, rather than the more commonly used white-skinned potato. “Most people don’t use a russet potato to make chips”, Moeller said. “It’s more difficult to cook correctly, but the reward is worth it.” He said he finds the russet chips color well and “hits on a savory note instead of just salty.”
For now, Moeller sells his chips only wholesale to businesses, although he’s exploring direct sales. He distributes his chips once a week, on Friday mornings. So far, they’ve been selling out after just a few days, Moeller said, and he’s looking ahead to ramping up production.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Read the story here.
Photo: Michael Moeller | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
