Tater tots are truly a testament to American innovation. An invention of the mid-20th century, tots quickly became a staple alongside burgers, barbecue, and similar food, thanks to their universal appeal. After all, who can resist a bite of crispy, golden potato perfection? Since the Ore-Ida company invented tater tots in 1953, they have occupied a well-deserved spot on the list of favorite American comfort foods. Whether you enjoy them at your favorite Salem, NH, restaurants or from the frozen food aisle, you can never go wrong with tots.
Tater tots made the surprising move from frozen food to comfort gourmet favorite. Here’s how they ended up on the menus of your favorite Salem, NH, restaurants.
Waste Not, Want Not
The brainchild of Ore-Ida co-founders, Nephi and Golden Grigg (yes, those are really their names), tater tots emerged from a desire to utilize every part of a potato. The Griggs were already known for their pioneering work in the frozen potato industry, and after creating their first frozen French fries, they found themselves with excess potato scraps. Instead of discarding these leftovers, they had an idea: why not create a new, innovative product?
It’s All in the Name
The result was tater tots—small, cylindrical nuggets of shredded potato seasoned and deep-fried to a crispy finish. If you’re wondering where the name came from, it’s just describing the food. It’s a combination of “potato” with the military slang “tot” (for a small child or small piece). Unsurprisingly, tater tots were an immediate hit. They provided a convenient and affordable way for families to enjoy a tasty potato side dish with minimal effort.
A Kids’ Food We All Love
By the 1960s, tater tots were a staple in American households, often appearing alongside burgers, fish sticks, and other kid-friendly meals. Their popularity surged further with the rise of frozen foods in the 1970s and 1980s, cementing their place in the pantheon of classic American comfort food. Today, it’s not just kids who enjoy them. Restaurants make their own versions of them from scratch, making this frozen snack a gourmet side. At Border Brewery & BBQ, we serve our tots with sour cream and chives.
Border Brewery & BBQ | Salem NH Restaurants
If you’re looking for Salem, NH, restaurants that serve up comfort food like you’ve never seen it before, you need to come to Border Brewery & BBQ. Enjoy our crispy tots topped with sour cream and chives alongside our tasty barbecue.
