When did Ray Kroc’s McDonald’s begin contracting J. R. Simplot Company for a nationwide supply of frozen fries?

Answer

1967

The full nationalization and industrial entrenchment of the French fry as the ubiquitous American side dish occurred through a pivotal business relationship formed between the burgeoning fast-food giant and the frozen food producer. Following the J. R. Simplot Company's successful commercialization of frozen fries in the 1940s, Ray Kroc’s McDonald’s system formally contracted Simplot in 1967. This contract was transformative because it eliminated the necessity for individual McDonald's franchises across the country to undertake the labor-intensive process of cutting and frying potatoes fresh on a daily basis. Instead, Simplot supplied a consistent, ready-to-finish product, allowing the standardized, inexpensive, and quick-to-prepare side to become a consistent feature across the entire national franchising network.

When did Ray Kroc’s McDonald’s begin contracting J. R. Simplot Company for a nationwide supply of frozen fries?

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