Viral Loaded Fries Restaurant Opens In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — Two local food leaders have brought a viral, West Coast loaded fries franchise to Philadelphia.

Mr. Fries Man celebrated its grand opening Friday in the Fishtown neighborhood. Founded in California, Mr. Fries Man has shown off its unique loaded fry creations to a massive social media following.

More than 20 locations have franchised since 2020, according to the company's website. Most are in California. But Mr. Fries Man Philly is the first on the East Coast, with another location coming soon to Washington D.C.

Philly's location is operated by local entrepreneur and Gelato artist Galen Thomas — known for nearby Cloud Cups Gelato and Philly Cheesecake Lady, which operate in the same space — alongside Chef Donte Fassett, of Mason Meals.

"We're bringing everything that made this brand a phenomenon on the West Coast, and then we're going to Philly it up," Thomas said. "I fell in love with the concept and the food during a trip to California and immediately said I want to bring this food and energy back to my city."

Standout menu items include buffalo ranch chicken fries and honey garlic shrimp and steak fries. Philly-exclusive cheesesteak fries are also in the works and expected to roll out shortly after opening.

Mr. Fries Man Philly is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 2313 Frankford Ave.