🥔 Why PA is the world’s potato chip capital

🗳️ PA Treasurer Garrity Running for Governor

Republican treasurer Stacy Garrity officially announced her run for governor on Monday. She has accused Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro of lacking transparency and negatively impacting Pennsylvania’s national standing. Garrity, who has been treasurer for two terms and is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, is expected to receive the GOP’s backing. [The Inquirer 🔒]

🎒 Philly Teachers Struggle to Begin School Year

City educators say they’re entering the school year with significant challenges, such as staffing shortages, low pay, and high personal expenses for classroom supplies. Many add they’ve had to take on second jobs — an issue the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers says they will strike over if the district doesn’t agree to a new contract by Aug. 31. [Axios]

• 🏫 Related: Frankford High will reopen this school year after it was closed in 2023 for asbestos abatement. [Philly Voice]

🌳 Why Did These Philly Parks Get 1-Star Reviews?

In Philly, there’s a saying that goes, “No one likes us and we don’t care.” It’s generally used when an out-of-towner is throwing shade (especially during Eagles games). So while we’re still enjoying warm weather, the podcast team is reading one-star reviews of our public parks and pushing back on the hate. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🏗️ PennDOT Begins Construction on Vine Street

Starting this week, expect lane closures for several months on Vine Street in Center City as part of a PennDOT project to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The $8.5 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. [NBC10]

• ➕ Related: Two key projects have been added to North Broad Street’s transformation: A 119-unit mixed-use building at 619 N Broad St. and the Pennsylvania Ballet’s new home at 321 N Broad St. [PhillyOFC Realty]

Potato chips weren’t invented here, but Pennsylvania really has ‘em in the bag.

With nationally distributed brands like Wise, Utz, and Herr’s — along with nostalgic names like Gibble’s and Good’s — it’s no wonder Pennsylvania’s known as the “Potato Chip Capital of the World.”

This crispy, salty treat is part of PA’s larger snack and confectionery empire. And if you look at a map of where chips are produced, you’ll notice a beltline along the southern and eastern part of the state. This overlaps areas where Pennsylvania Dutch communities live, like Lancaster and York counties.

These descendants of German-speaking European immigrants brought pretzels to PA in the 18th century. When potato chips became popular around the turn of the 19th century, they fit perfectly into PA’s agricultural and food customs.

Our state’s acidic soil and humid climate are ideal for growing “chipping potatoes.” And the Pennsylvania Dutch fried potato chips in lard, making them extra flavorful and crunchy and leading to a surge in popularity. (Some brands keep this tradition sizzling, like Utz’s “Grandma” kettle chips and Gibble’s “Kay and Ray’s.”)

Today, more than a dozen potato chip businesses operate in the Keystone State, giving rise to modern styles and trendy flavors — from red hot and jalapeño cheddar to dill pickle and honey BBQ.

Bookmark these brands for your next stroll through the snack aisle or road trip across the state — starting with the chips you’ll likely find in and around Philly ⬇️

Herr’s

Herr’s, based in Nottingham, PA, is the largest privately-held, family-owned snack food company in the U.S. It has fans nationwide, but locals have the opportunity to tour the plant in Chester County. This chip giant has some of the most intriguing flavors like Cheddar Horseradish and Baby Back Ribs. Plus, the Flavored by Philly contest collaborates with local businesses every year — like 2024’s mashup with Romano’s Stromboli.

Zerbe's

Also in Adamstown, Zerbe’s stands out with its chips known locally as “Zerbe Darks.” Don’t worry, they’re not burnt! The sugar content in the russet potato creates a darker color and distinctive taste. Buy them online to pair with your sandwich … or just skip it and go straight for the Italian Hoagie flavor.

Good’s

This Adamstown business has been around since potato chips started sizzling in PA (so it’s no surprise they still fry in lard!). Good’s debuted in 1886, and the business is now run by its sixth generation. Order the Original style in the red bag or Kettle Cooked in the blue bag online.

Dieffenbach’s (Uglies)

Dieffenbach’s fans love the quirky flavors like Deli Dill and Bacon Cheddar — but its sister brand, Uglies, is changing the way we eat chips. Uglies are made from potatoes with small imperfections that would otherwise be thrown out. Check out the factory store in Womelsdorf, PA, or buy them at MOM’s Organic Market, Grocery Outlet, Riverwards Produce Market, or Sprouts Farmers Market.

Martin’s Potato Chips

Harry and Fairy Martin established this business in 1941, and it’s still going strong in Thomasville, PA. They’re known for their Kettle Cook’d style. Try to get your hands on their twist on a favorite punchy flavor: Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar.