The story humbly began during the Great Depression of the 1930s. During those turbulent times, Mrs. Flossie Howard and her family began making potato chips as a way to help supplement the family’s income. Their efforts included the tedious process of peeling, slicing and cooking by hand the potatoes in small, cast iron kettles. Their small business located in the front portion of an abandoned church, would also serve as their home in the small Central Illinois community of Farmington. The homemade chips were a huge success in Farmington and soon word spread to other nearby communities. The fresh and tasty potato chips were becoming quite popular! The Howards were soon able to begin distribution in nearby Canton and Hanna City, Illinois with the help of Betty Ann Bakery delivery trucks. Flossie and her family ran the small but profitable business for nearly 35 years. Mr. Howard passed away in the early 1970s, but Flossie and a close friend continued on in the business. Then in 1973, when Flossie’s own health started to fail, the decision was made to retire and sell the business to local Hanna City resident, Dick Blackhurst. Dick saw great potential and had future expansion plans in mind for the business. In 1976 a brand new potato chip factory was constructed in Bushnell, IL with friend and partner, Corey Starcevich. Dick then went on to build another operating plant in Farmington, IL in 1978. The chips were gaining quite a reputation. Supply and demand was high. The two factories were distributing a massive amount of product to an ever-growing market. Not surprisingly, Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips had become a permanent fixture in Central Illinois!

Address: 632 N. Main St.Farmington, IL 61531
Telephone: (309) 245-2191
Website: http://www.kitchencooked.net/