Oak Grove Community Advantage Magazine February 2023

The Origins of the Tater Tot

A Tasty Oregon Invention

By Robert Matsumura, Contributing Writer

The Tater Tot. It’s hard to resist these crunchy golden-brown potato morsels piled high in a basket, or nestled on a plate accompanying our favorite burger or sandwich. For many of us, “Tater Tot” and “comfort food” go hand-in-hand. It’s ingrained in our culture—at least from a food perspective!

But did you know that these world famous potato nuggets were invented in Oregon, and that they were the creative byproduct of potato scraps originally used as cattle feed? The story of the Tater Tot traces back to two young Mormon entrepreneurs named Nephi and Golden Griggs who came of age during the Great Depression. Originally from Idaho, the Griggs brothers were potato farmers like most of their neighbors. Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, the Griggs survived by growing and selling potatoes, but during the postwar years as Americans increasingly turned to convenience foods—frozen foods in particular—the Nephi brothers were certain that their road to riches lay in servicing this growing demand.

Convinced that the future of produce resided in the frozen food section, the two brothers mortgaged their farms to purchase a flash-freezing plant in Northeastern Oregon for $500,000 (approximately $4.5 million today). As the factory was located on the border between Oregon and Idaho, they chose to name their new company Ore-Ida.

Corn and potatoes were Ore-Ida’s mainstay and the company soon became the largest distributor of sweet corn in the country, but the real profit lay in french fries. French fries, though immensely profitable, posed certain production problems. Nephi (the leader of the two brothers) described their challenge as follows: “We had a problem separating the fries from the slivers and small pieces of

potatoes that occurred when slicing the irregular shaped potatoes.” Instead of wasting the scrap pieces, the brothers had been feeding it to their cattle and other livestock.

Despite the fact that their potato scraps were being utilized as feed for farm animals, Nephi Griggs—always focused on efficiency and profit maximization—was bothered by their inability to derive any revenue from the constant flow of potato byproducts. In a letter to an OreIda colleague, Nephi vented his frustration at not putting to better use “product that has been purchased from the grower, stored for months, gone through the peeling process, gone through the specking lines and trimmed off defects, only to be eliminated into the cattle feed.”

An unexpected visit by a representative from an equipment manufacturing company, however, proved to be serendipitous. Although the company representative was there to demonstrate a prune sorter, Nephi and his plant superintendent envisioned utilizing the equipment in a different manner. Instead of sorting prunes, could the machinery be refashioned to sort irregular potato pieces from french fries? To their delight, it could.

It wasn’t long before the Griggs and their people at Ore-Ida devised a creative use for the supply of potato scraps. By smashing the bits together using new machinery, then blanching, forming the crushed potatoes into nuggets, and cooking them in oil, a completely new product was

created. These potato nuggets could subsequently be frozen, bagged, and distributed. Although the original idea was for the nuggets to be fried, it was soon discovered that baking them produced equally good results. According to Nephi, a man on their research committee who “traveled the markets playing a ukulele and demonstrating our product,” came up with the name. Unfortunately, the man’s name has been lost to history, though his talent for creative alliteration lives on. The name “Tater Tot” is iconic across the world for fun, palate-pleasing, potato goodness.

Nephi remarked in his notes (which are now housed at the J. Willard Marriott

“new product has about a three year

the “Tater Tot” name, purchased additional machinery, and began mass producing their tasty invention.

Despite the success of the Tater Tot, the process to create them was a bit of a sticky mess—literally. New equipment had to be fashioned to deal with the starchy potato product. Steel drums the diameter of a human torso rotated continuously filling tot-sized molds with potato. These molded potatoes would then be ejected onto a conveyor belt and sent down a line for seasoning and subsequent freezing.

Ore-Ida’s commitment to the Tater Tot, in spite of production difficulties, proved a gamble worth taking. The Griggs brothers’ promotion of their new product at the 1954 National Potato Convention was a huge hit, garnering interest in Tater Tots throughout the industry. The media was also quick to embrace Tater Tots as a convenient

new food for snacks and meals that was tasty and easy to prepare. So successful was the Tater Tot that Nephi referred to it as their “hero profit item,” and cited it as responsible for making Ore-Ida a household name. By the end of the 1950s, Ore-Ida had captured 25 percent of the domestic frozen potato market. A second plant was opened in 1960, and by 1961 Ore-Ida had gone public.

In 1964, despite generating an annual profit of $31 million, problems within the family necessitated the sale of Ore-Ida. The Griggs sold the company to H.J. Heinz in 1965 for $30 million. The Heinz purchase of Ore-Ida was the company’s first foray into the frozen food market. By the time Heinz merged with Kraft in 2015, the Tater Tot was so common of a product that few people realized the name was still trademarked to Ore-Ida. An advertising campaign was even created to differentiate OreIda tots from the competition. The campaign warned, “Don’t be fooled by Imi-taters,” because Ore-Ida Tater Tots were the “original and only.”

Today, as one of America’s cherished food items, Tater Tots have been incorporated in multitudes of home recipes and even elevated to culinary feature items at certain restaurants. There is no end of possibilities when it comes to something as versatile as the Tater Tot! So, next time you find yourself reaching for a crispy golden Tater Tot, think of the Griggs brothers and the Oregonian ingenuity that transformed cattle feed into a delectable treat enjoyed by millions.

Nephi Grigg was the inventor of the Tater Tot

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A SHINING EXAMPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer

Mattress stores seem to be a dime a dozen, with locations on virtually every street corner and dozens of online options as well. And you’d think the buying experience would be the same as the next, right? Wrong. For starters, there’s the personability. Sean has been in the business for over 25 years. He started the parent company Furniture Showcase, Inc. in 1995, and has been serving the community as Mattress World Northwest (MWNW) since 2004. He and his team are dedicated to making your mattress buying experience one of a kind. In talking to Sean, it’s obvious he cares deeply about his employees and his customers.

Sean spoke passionately about MWNW’s three-pronged approach to business success. Firstly, they are dedicated to helping their customers get a better night’s sleep. Thorough training and the largest selection in the NW allow them to assist every person to find the most comfortable mattress for a better night’s sleep.

Secondly, MWNW’s business mission is making sure their employees are happy. This is one of those places you hear about but rarely find – a place young folks start working at and never leave! They legitimately treat their employees like family and empower them to live their best lives.

Most impressive and thirdly, MWNW prioritizes giving to the communities they reside in. Sean and the MWNW team incorporate charitable giving and philanthropy into the corporate culture. Walk into any one of their stores throughout the year, and you’ll see they are promoting some sort of fundraising event, whether it’s in support of Polar Plunge For Special Olympics Oregon, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure, the Senior Citizens Council of Clackamas County, or one of our local schools.

In the month of March, all MWNW stores will be asking for donations to support Polar Plunge

for Special Olympics Oregon. Their main fundraiser, The Polar Plunge, takes place March 11 at Willamette Park in Portland.

SEAN HATHAWAY Owner

According to Special Olympics Oregon, “Polar Plunge is your chance to step out of your comfort zone by jumping into an unforgettable experience that directly impacts the lives of Special Olympics Oregon Athletes. By participating you provide 5,000+ Special Olympics Oregon Athletes access to sports, activities, and community.”

Here is why Special Olympics Oregon is so important: “Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.” Please help us raise funds by donating online or visiting one of our local stores. Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal. Get a better night’s sleep and help support your community at your local Mattress World Northwest, with 22 locations across Portland, Salem, Vancouver, and more. Order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.

PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

Special

Oregon uses sports training and competition to grow acceptance and inclusion of those with intellectual disabilities. Learn more at: soor.org.

Feeling Is Believing.

Coasters Brew Pub A TASTE OF THE SEA

By Patti Jo Brooks,

Waterman

Experience the mouthwatering pub fare served up at Coasters Brew Pub in Milwaukie. Known for its lively family-friendly atmosphere, seafoodthemed menu items, and its very own Coasters IPA. All ages and interests are welcome and invited to become part of Coasters Brew Pub’s inclusive community. At Coasters, there is always something for everyone!

“The beauty of our restaurants,” remarks Brian Grant, owner of Coasters Brew Pub (and sister pub, Coasters Crossing), “is that most of the people come in to eat and drink.” Meaning that patrons are interested in enjoying a full meal with food and drink that complement each other while spending time with family and friends. The Pub also has a flatscreen TV behind one end of the bar which televises games for sports fans. Another feature of the Coasters Brew Pub culture is Dice’s Rip City Trivia Night which has recently returned to the Pub on Monday Nights at 7:00pm.

The name, “Coasters,” and the diverse selection of seafood dishes on the menu, has been a way for Brian to maintain his ties to the Coast. He started in the restaurant business at age 14 in a Cannon Beach restaurant owned by a family friend. After graduating high school, Brian moved to Portland and remained in the restaurant business. “I sort of got addicted,” he confesses.

Two popular dishes with a strong coastal influence are the Oyster Shooters and the Fried Oysters which are prepared from a supply of fresh oysters brought in twice a week. Other seafood selections include Open Face Shrimp Melts, Oregon Rock Shrimp or Mahi Mahi Fish and Chips, Beer Battered Jumbo Shrimp, Seafood Chowder, and Fish Tacos. “We sell a lot of Fish Tacos,” Brian admits. Burgers, Wraps, Sandwiches and Melts made with chicken, pork, or beef, as well as veggie and vegan options are also included on the standard menu. Gluten-free buns are available as well. Specials change daily, giving the chef “an opportunity to get creative and prepare something a little different every day,” says Brian. The featured “Burger of the Week,” as well as all Coasters beef burgers, are made from “fresh, never frozen, hand-patted hamburger,” Brian stresses. Aside from adding together all burger sales, the top-selling food item is Coasters made-fresh-in-house, hand-breaded Chicken Strips. Yum!

A full bar and 16 taps provide an ocean of beverages for adults to enjoy. Coasters’ own IPA made by Coin Toss Brewing is but one selection among a rotation of IPAs, dark and cream brews, and light beers. Join in on Happy Hour from 3-6pm daily, and cozy up around the outdoor fire pit beneath the new gazebo. “I’ve been doing this for a long time and decided if I was to own my own restaurant, this is the kind of vibe I wanted,” Brian shares. “Something that’s reasonably priced. Has good beer selections. A place you can come in and chill out.”

Brian believes in a formula that “happy employees make happy customers, and you’ll be successful.” With the staff of both pubs totaling

Contributing Writer • Photos by Brittney

around 50, Brian confides, “I try to be a good boss and take care of all my employees.” He wants them to have fun, yet take their job seriously and work together for a common goal. “We want our service to be great,” he says.

Enjoying the success of Coasters Brew Pub as well as Coasters Crossing, Brian is quite a happy guy. After putting in his time working for others, he loves being his own boss and the freedom it allows for implementing his own preferences and philosophy in the workplace. He’s candid about the financial help he received to get started and comments, “the guy that loaned me the money to open the restaurant changed my life, so now I have to pay it forward.” Brian does that through supporting the local community. He recently sponsored a fundraiser for the Gladstone Senior Party, he’s helped raise money for the Gladstone High School Band, and has donated to Putnam Youth Baseball. He also raised money to help fight the devastating fires in the Gorge.

Coasters Brew Pub is located at 18650 McLoughlin Blvd. in Milwaukie. Give them a call at (503)786-6957, or visit their Facebook page for a complete menu of food items and other useful information.