Limited Service Restaurant
Cultivating Connections: The Story of Simplot and Spud Fish and Chips
1/31/2025|Zach Greatting
Great partnerships often start with a shared passion; ours with Spud Fish & Chips is no exception. From their rich history dating back to 1935 to their steadfast dedication to quality, Spud's embodies the kind of commitment that resonates with us at Simplot. Over the years, our collaboration has grown beyond a transactional relationship—it's become a partnership rooted in trust, creativity, and a mutual desire to share great food.
During a recent conversation with Cara, Spud Fish & Chips co-owner, we explored our partnership and why they chose to work with Simplot. The business was founded in 1935 by English-born brothers Jack and Frank Alger. Cara spoke with pride about her role in running the business now with her husband for the last decade. "Our Edmonds location opened in 2015, and we're coming up on ten years now," she shared. "I got more actively involved about eight years ago after our kiddos returned to school. I focus on marketing, while my husband handles operations; it's a team effort." The company is celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, and are poised to see both the Edmonds and Juanita locations grow and continue the history of success.
This team effort extends to their relationship with Simplot. Cara reflected on their transition to Simplot products, which started a decade ago. "The local representation from Simplot has been awesome," she said. "We started with Roman, and now we work with Alicia. You've always given us what we need. Even through COVID, Simplot kept the quantities available, deliveries consistent, and the quality top-notch. It was a natural decision, a slam dunk, really to switch."
A dialogue of creativity
Partnerships thrive on collaboration and shared ideas, and our conversations with Cara and her team have often sparked new creative opportunities. During my interview with Cara, we discussed exciting opportunities for limited-time offerings (LTOs). Cara's enthusiasm for exploring new ideas was infectious: "I love doing LTOs! Simplot does such a great job with marketing, providing assets for social media, and helping us bring these ideas to life."
We tossed around concepts for unique menu additions, including a chowder fry—a playful spin on poutine featuring their signature chowder. "The idea of chowder as the gravy for fries is exciting," Cara said. "It's like biscuits and gravy but with fries and chowder. It could even work with tater tots!"
Our discussion also touched on Simplot's Harvest Fresh® Dill Pickle Flavored Avocado Spread, which inspired thoughts of a fish sandwich or slaw topping. Cara said, "I'd love to use the dill avocado spread. I can see it on a chicken or fish sandwich—it would be amazing. Plus, we could create something exciting with Simplot's support for LTO marketing."
Building something bigger together
What makes this partnership truly special is the mutual understanding that we're working toward a shared goal and delivering exceptional customer experiences. As Cara put it, "Every order that goes out the door gets a Simplot fry. That's exciting for us. We trust our original battered and hand-cut fish to go on a Simplot fry. The quality and consistency are always there, and our customers love it."
Cara also noted the impact of Simplot's flexibility and support: "You make a day at Spud Fish & Chips easy and very successful. That's what we need from a partner." Her words remind us that at Simplot, our role goes beyond providing products—we're here to support and inspire, helping operators like Spud find new ways to delight their guests.
Looking to the future
As our conversation ended, Cara expressed her excitement for the future. "We have the opportunity to grow Spud Fish & Chips if we want to. Who knows where that might take us?" she said. This sense of possibility mirrors the innovative spirit that drives our work at Simplot. Whether brainstorming LTOs, exploring new product ideas or simply being there when it matters most, we're proud to partner with operators like Spud Fish & Chips.
Great partnerships don't just happen. They are cultivated, nurtured, and strengthened over time. Our relationship with Spud proves what's possible when two teams come together with shared values and a desire to create something extraordinary. Cara said, "Simplot matches everything we look for in a partner—quality, consistency, sustainability, and a commitment to improving things."
At Simplot Global Food, our mission extends beyond simply providing exceptional products; we aim to build meaningful partnerships that contribute to feeding the world. As the Culinary Content Chef, I have the privilege of connecting with operators like Cara to explore their stories, challenges, and opportunities. Our culinary team plays a crucial role in collaborating with restaurant operators to develop innovative menu ideas while ensuring they maximize the benefits of our extensive portfolio. By combining creativity, expertise, and a genuine commitment to our partners' success, we help turn visions into delicious realities. Together, we're not just shaping menus—we're shaping the future of dining, one partnership at a time.
