Ballreich's, Grippo's, Conn's, Shearer's and Mikesell's potato chips
Food + Drink

Famous Ohio Foods: Potato Chips

Wavy, original, salt & vinegar, barbecue and more — these chip brands put a welcome crinkle in our life.

March/April 2021
BY Elizabeth Stern | Photo by Megann Galehouse, styling by Betty Karslake

Ballreich’s | Tiffin
Fred and Ethel Ballreich called their rippled chips “marcelled” after a wavy hairstyle popular during the 1920s. The Ballreich family operated the company for generations until a local investor group purchased the business in 2019. Today, Ballreich’s makes 12 chip varieties, including Smokey Sweet Mesquite and Sweet Thai Chili. Available at markets across Ohio. ballreich.com

Grippo’s | Cincinnati
Angelo Grippo launched his snack line in 1919, first making rolled sugar cones in a one-room office and later producing pretzels. The company added potato chips in 1959 and they’ve grown into a southwest Ohio favorite. Grippo’s six varieties include favorites such as Bar-B-Q and Sweet Maui Onion. Available at markets across Ohio and online. grippos.com

Conn’s | Zanesville
In 1935, Ida Conn began making her quality potato chips. Tom George and Montie Hunter continue that legacy today with a line that includes varieties such as Wavy Style, Green Onion, Bar-B-Q and Salt & Vinegar. Available at select markets across Ohio and online. connschips.com

Mikesell’s | Dayton
D.W. Mikesell launched his business in 1910, initially selling dried beef to the citizens of Dayton. After acquiring machinery to make potato chips, he saw a business opportunity. Mikesell’s offers 16 chip flavors, including Zesty Barbecue and the bestselling Original. After 112 years, Mikesell's announced it was closing in February 2023, but that Conn's purchased the brand rights and will be continuing to produce the Mikesell's snacks. mikesells.com

Shearer’s | Massillon
Shearer’s food legacy dates back to William Shearer’s early 1900s meat market in Canton. His grandson, Jack, and Jack’s wife, Rosemary, took over the family grocery store in the ’50s, and a snack line featuring kettle-cooked potato chips debuted in 1979. Shearer’s chip varieties include Home-Style Classic and Rippled. Update: As of January 2022, the company no longer makes Shearer’s brand potato chips and is instead a private brand and contract manufacturer. shearers.com

Famous Ohio Foods: Northwest | Northeast | Southeast | Southwest | Central | Condiments | Ice Cream | White Castle | Bob Evans

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