Fries are an integral part of Belgian culture, with nearly 4,600 establishments across the country. Their secret? A combination of quality, user-friendliness and innovation that appeals to customers.
This Thursday evening at 7:50 p.m., it’s the grand finale of “La Meilleure Friterie” on RTL tvi. The competition will elect the best chip shops in Brussels and Wallonia, which remain real institutions in Belgium.
Belgium, famous for its “fritkots”, has around 4,600 chip shops, with the majority in Flanders, followed by 1,500 in Wallonia and around 400 in Brussels. This dense presence testifies to the attachment of Belgians to this culinary tradition. In Éghezée, for example, there are several chip shops a few hundred meters from each other, a sign of very present demand. “There is a lot of craze for fries. Here, people like to eat a lot of them, and I think there is work for everyone”declares Julien Honnof, friturist.
The sector, although dynamic, is not without challenges. Bernard Lefèvre, president of the national union of fryurists, underlines the economic reality: “The market is what it is. I don’t think it could grow any further for chip shops. A third lives well, very well, a third lives, and a third survives. Many start out thinking it’s easy and profitable, then realize it’s not that simple”.
To remain competitive, chip shops must offer much more than just a portion of fries. According to Louis Vanderkelen, an employee in one of them, the recipe for success lies in customer satisfaction: “I think that really the most important thing is that customers are satisfied with the work. Speed is essential”. Product diversity and promotions are also strategic elements.
Nathan Leblanc, marketing manager for a chain of chip shops, emphasizes the importance of adaptation and innovation: “We have to continue to improve, to innovate, because everything changes. A lot of marketing and the use of social networks are crucial”.
Industry-commissioned research shows that 96% of respondents visit chip shops at least a few times a year. For some, it’s even a weekly ritual. This popularity makes chip shops a tourist asset and a true cultural institution in Belgium.
Who will succeed Ben and Nati, winners of the 1st season of Best Friterie? This Thursday, November 7, watch the finale of “La Meilleure Friterie, season 2” at 7:50 p.m. on RTL tvi and streaming on RTL play.
The best Belgian chip shop
