#fries

#fries

In the restaurant business, first impressions aren't just important, they're everything. That truth has only sharpened in today's off-premises market, where many guests discover restaurants exclusively through third-party delivery apps. Instead of a warm welcome at the restaurant's entrance, or a beautifully plated appetizer in a cozy ambiance, the first customer interaction is often now a to-go bag left on the doorstep.

If you haven't heard of the spice, no worries. Basically, nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast made from cane or beet sugar. It comes dried in light yellow flakes or a tan powder, and is known for its savory taste as a cheese alternative, its high B vitamin content, and inclusion in many plant-based recipes, from sauces to vegan tacos. When used to coat spuds before baking them in the oven, nutritional yeast imparts a balanced, savory, nutty flavor.

Virginia tops the charts as the Fry Capital of the U.S., with the average person consuming 21 pounds of fries a year. Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland follow close behind.