The Salty, Storied History of Jays Potato Chips: A Chicago Icon

For many Chicagoans, the mere mention of Jays Potato Chips conjures images of summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and spirited Cubs watch parties. More than just a snack, Jays represents a taste of home, a crunchy connection to the Windy City's rich culinary past. At ChiGrub, we're proud to ship this iconic Chicago flavor nationwide, and today we're peeling back the layers of its fascinating history.

The story of Jays Foods began in 1927, right here in Chicago. It was founded by Leonard Japp Sr. and William Ruwitch, with humble beginnings. Leonard Japp Sr. started by selling pretzels from a truck, but it was his wife, Eugenia, who crafted the potato chip recipe that would soon become famous. Their entrepreneurial spirit, however, was quickly tested by the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.

Following the devastating Wall Street crash of 1929, Japp partnered with George Johnson, and they began selling their delicious chips under the name “Mrs. Japp’s Potato Chips.” The brand steadily grew, becoming a local favorite, but history had another challenge in store. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, anti-Japanese sentiment unfortunately made the name “Japp” sound like a slur to some. In a move to protect the brand and its customers, the company was swiftly and sensitively renamed Jays Potato Chips, the name we know and love today.

Through the decades, Jays remained a beloved, family-owned business, synonymous with quality and a truly Chicago taste. You could always count on the classic crunch of Jays Original Potato Chips, the bold flavor of Jays Barbecue Potato Chips, or the fiery kick of Jays Hot Stuff Potato Chips to be on hand. This family legacy continued until 1986 when the company was sold to Borden, Inc. The Japp family, however, re-acquired their cherished brand in 1994, demonstrating their deep connection to its heritage and Chicago roots. In 2004, it was purchased by Willis Stein & Partners and combined with Lincoln Snacks under Ubiquity Brands.

Sadly, like many businesses, Jays faced financial difficulties, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007. The Chicago manufacturing plant, a local landmark, closed its doors on December 5, 2007. On the very same day, Snyder's-Lance acquired the remaining assets, ensuring that the legacy of Jays would continue. Snyder's-Lance carried on making Jays products specifically for the Midwest market, preserving its regional icon status. Later, Snyder's-Lance became part of Campbell's Company, integrating Jays into a larger family of snack brands.

Despite the changes in ownership and manufacturing, Jays has never lost its identity as a quintessential Chicago snack. You'll still find those familiar bags gracing the shelves of local delis, making an appearance at neighborhood backyard barbecues, and fueling enthusiastic Cubs watch parties. It's a testament to the enduring quality and deep emotional connection Chicagoans have with this storied brand.

Q: When was Jays Foods originally founded?

A: Jays Foods was founded in 1927 in Chicago by Leonard Japp Sr. and William Ruwitch.

Q: Why was the name changed from “Mrs. Japp’s” to “Jays Potato Chips”?

A: After Pearl Harbor in 1941, anti-Japanese sentiment made the name “Japp” sound like a slur, leading to the renaming of the brand to Jays Potato Chips.

Q: Can I still get Jays Potato Chips delivered outside of Chicago?

A: Yes! ChiGrub ships Jays Potato Chips, along with many other Chicago favorites, nationwide.