New SLO County restaurant serves up build-your-own burgers, fries: ‘Absolutely delicious’
When Joe Lassiter moved to San Luis Obispo County 33 years ago, he “fell in love with the place” and knew he’d be in the area for the long haul.
One thing he didn’t like, however, was the price of food — particularly fast food.
When taking his family to restaurants, he was disappointed to pay $20 for a substandard burger-and-fry combo.
That gave him the “spite” he needed to throw his hat into the ring and launch his first venture in the restaurant business, he said.
“I just want to give (the customers) good, crispy, hot french fries every time and a good burger that you know is fairly priced,” Lassiter said.
French Fries USA celebrated its grand opening at 1540 E. Grand Ave. in Arroyo Grande on Feb. 1.
SLO County restaurant serves build-your-own burgers, fries
Although French Fries USA’s menu has plenty of options, Lassiter said the restaurant seeks to give customers what they want without too many bells and whistles.
The build-your-own hamburgers — which Lassiter said received “raving reviews” at the grand opening — come in junior, single and double sizes. Once they settle on a size, customers can choose from 30 toppings.
“I don’t want people walking in and going ‘Hey, what do you put on your hamburger?’ ” Lassiter said. “It’s a hassle. Let’s get right to it.”
Lassiter, a self-described “picky eater,” said the menu was created under the assumption “everybody else is a picky eater.”
The menu also offers 10 variations on fried potatoes, from shoestring fries to tater tots, Lassiter said.
“The idea I came up with was (to) make 10 fries,” Lassiter said. “That way no matter who I have working back there, they’ll never be able to have fries sitting, and that guarantees the customer hot, crispy fries every time, because we don’t know what they’re going to order.”
“I’m just guaranteeing that we’re not cooking for the masses,” he added. “We’re cooking for you.”
Signature fries are also available, with options inspired by carne asada, Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches and poutine, the classic Canadian dish featuring cheesecurds and gravy.
Other menu items include chicken strips and nuggets, along with sweet treats such as sweet potato delight, which features sweet potato fries topped with cinnamon sugar and a vanilla drizzle.
Burgers cost $3 to $7, or $6.50 to $12.50 for a combo.
A french fry platter — the largest single order of fries at French Fries USA — is priced at $7. Signature fries cost slightly more, ranging from $3.60 for a small order of garlic fries to $12 for a platter of chicken bacon ranch fries.
Most add-ons are 50 cents apiece, although some can cost as much as $3 each.
Arroyo Grande business owner plans new location
So far, response to French Fries USA has been “phenomenal,” Lassiter said, with with lines out the door from opening to close on the day of the grand opening.
Representatives of the South County Chambers of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 1.
Samantha Coelho, a chamber ambassador who attended the grand opening, gave her order of asada fries a score of 10 out of 10.
“It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just the way I like it,” Coelho said.
Sue MacGano Palmoer, another South County Chamber ambassador, said she was happy with her sweet potato delight, a vegetarian option on the signature fries menu.
“It is absolutely delicious, and I would also give it a 10,” MacGano Palmer said.
Once his Arroyo Grande restaurant settles into a good pace, Lassiter said he wants to open another French Fries USA location in North County. And he has other ideas for other businesses.
“I’m trying to build this town to things that I want in this town,” Lassiter said. “A good burger joint was first. A family entertainment center is going to be next, and I’m going to build all the things that I think this town needs to try and make it a better place to live for everybody.”
“The only thing I would like to mention to (the customers) is just thank you so much,” Lassiter said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
This story was originally published February 7, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
