In 1828, a young French cook learned how to make the chef's specialty, round sliced potatoes fried in grease until crispy. He thought they were so good, he decided to sell them on the street. They were a hit! After making a lot of money, he left for his home in Germany. He went through Belgium on the way, where he set up his wagon to sell his potatoes. They were a hit! So busy was he that he needed to find a way to work more quickly. He installed a metal grate in a table and used it to cut many potatoes at one time. Everyone loved the new shape that you could eat with your fingers.