What The Fries serves up more than potatoes

CHARLOTTE — Jamie Barnes and Gregory Williams started out as suitemates at Johnson & Wales University. Now, the two are full-time chefs and co-owners of one of the most buzzed-about businesses in Charlotte.

“We just kind of clicked together and we’ve been friends ever since,” Williams said.

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In 2015, the pair launched their What The Fries food truck in a former FedEx delivery truck. Their scratch-made, hand-cut fries, served with a wide range of toppings that include lobster, crispy chicken, shrimp and steak, were a hit.

“We had wild crazy lines,” Barnes said.

In March 2021, the team opened a brick-and-mortar location in South Charlotte at 10707 Park Road, Suite F.

“We do casual food, what people look at as casual, but we put a lot of work into it behind the scenes,” Barnes said. “We do a lot of techniques we’ve learned at fine dining restaurants.”

>> In the video at the top of this page, Your704′s Elsa Gillis talks to the team behind this local hot spot and gets a taste of their crispy creations.

What The Fries is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday. Go to whatthefriesclt.com for more information.

(WATCH BELOW: Your704 goes behind the counter at Sav/Way’s El Molino Deli)