The rest of America has finally discovered what many Detroiters already knew: the Crack Fries from Hopcat are so good, it is sinister. Hopcat’s Crack Fries was named in Food Network Magazine’s list of America’s 10 Best French Fries in its July-August issue. Hopcat’s Crack Fries stand toe to toe with Hyde Park Bar & Grill’s fries, which come in their own silver fryer basket.

Hopcat Detroit attracts a solid mix of Campus Martius finance people, Wayne State students and staff from the Midtown hospitals still in their scrubs. It is a jovial bar and the music booms from the speakers.
Hopcat Detroit attracts a solid mix of Campus Martius finance people, Wayne State students and hospital staff still in scrubs. It is a jovial bar and the music booms from the speakers.

According to Chris Knape, Hopcat’s Marketing and Communication’s Director, someone who worked at Food Network Magazine got the Crack Fries on the list after trying them in the Detroit location.

The fries are that perfect balance of sweet and salty with a peppery flavor that is unforgettable. They always come out of the kitchen super hot and crispy, another reason we can not get enough. The seasonings were developed in 2007 by owner Mark Sellers, ringleader Garry Boyd and Hopcat’s original culinary team based in Grand Rapids.

The Crack Fries are covered in a beer batter made from a light lager. After frying them golden brown, they are covered in a secret mix of seasonings so addictive, it gave the Crack Fries their name.

No one had any idea Crack Fries would be Hopcat’s best seller. They just knew they loved it. People cannot resist Hopcat because of its bold and unapologetic dedication to the pursuit of awesome.

“We put good products on people’s plates that we like and we hope other people like it too,” said Chris. “It has worked out really well. Every item on our menu is tested by our owner Mark Sellers. Mark is our focus group. If Mark likes it, it is on the menu. That’s our formula.”

Cool stuff to know:

  • The Crack Fries now include warm cheese sauce that used to cost $1 extra. Score!
  • After Hopcat’s Detroit location received feedback that people did not find the name funny, they began donating 10 cents off every Crack Fries sold to Mariners Inn, Detroit’s homeless shelter and substance abuse center. Thousands of dollars have been donated since starting the program in March.
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