The French Fry King Of LA | Street Food Icons

Hello! Craig Batiste is Mr. Fries Man, LA native who built a french fry empire from his back yard to 21 franchises throughout Southern California. Craig offers just about any combination of fries and toppings you could want, and he works side by side with his wife to continue growing the company and offer delicious french fries.
Subscribe to Munchies here: bit.ly/Subscrib...
All Munchies videos release a full week early on our site: video.vice.com...
Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.
www.vice.com/e...
Check out munchies.tv for more!
Follow Munchies here:
Facebook: / munchies
Twitter: / munchies
Tumblr: / munchies
Instagram: / munchies
Pinterest: / munchies
Foursquare: foursquare.com...
More videos from the VICE network: www. vic...

[@city_boys]

"Basically Every thing that I like, I put on top of fries" Literally 10/10 business model. Seriously.

[@Dakurar]

legitimately.

[@SiddharthJhakaas]

Inspired by jones bbq and foot massage XD

[@SiddharthJhakaas]

As long as it's fryable, as long as it's edible, we'll make it deliciable

[@johnasaro7942]

Literally literal this goes out to those whoever think my situation critical phoney mfas y'all o so effen typical

[@Msapere]

💯💯

[@iwantagf311]

The fact that he kept talking about his wife, crediting her for his success each time is beautiful. Hope Mr Fries Man can expand the business to other countries! Would love to try.

[@loganbonushi6812]

Ok Jimbo Jimbo 😂😂

[@blanket5230]

@@loganbonushi6812 💀

[@kingfrozt2305]

But you have to show that ambitious on your own before a woman will support you just keep that in mind

[@bullruninstrumentals]

@@kingfrozt2305 big facts

[@Carltonwanks]

Why do u people always make Corny comments about love And respect? THIS is about food and business

[@amandashamanda9479]

The way he talks about his wife, his family, his friends… shit that is some genuine love he has for the people in his life and that is so awesome to see

[@darleneachille491]

‼️❤️🙏🏽✝️

[@3rdPablo]

I love seeing genuine people succeed. All of their personalities showed through the video and it is amazing. Wish you guys the best of the best. Please take care!

[@Ben546]

That's the best part, people who came from nothing making success. The american dream.

[@eastlospimp]

Be ain’t genuine or else his food wouldn’t be ass at other locations

[@WhatWhy42]

Shit, I like this guy... 💩 shit

[@captainjacobkeyes6733]

For real. This guy his wife his family it’s awesome

[@teebo5298]

I don’t care about the genuine . I just like chance taking hard workers succeed

[@Welyn]

"hello" 🤣🤣 this guy's energy is infectious, watched this while eating lunch and it was extra tasty

[@prapor5823]

Well now i know what you like dude

[@ohtrueyeahnah]

Was that before or after you recreated his Fries shop in a private server?

[@gyrfalcon5626]

@@ohtrueyeahnah Good one!

[@croatianmaster8178]

What !! Welyn big fan of your rust videos bro !!

[@ggmontageai9737]

PUMPKIN' PATCH !

[@stevenvillarreal8970]

This guy is the type of guy I’d buy food from for the rest of my life. Always so passionate for what he does and cracking jokes up. Best quote “I always loved fries, it was getting to the point where I was damned near shaped like a potato”. 😂😂

[@creationsbyseay3865]

That’s the one.😂

[@PutitoCorner]

I cracked when he said that. Man, I love fries too. If I ate too much, I’ll probably end up like what he just described 😂

[@WeWillAlwaysHaveVALIS]

To be fair he's not too far from that shape in the video, however I have nothing but respect for the dude and his lady. Partners who are willing to help support the other in building a dream/business, especially if the financial situation is dicey, are one in a billion. I hope their franchising goes well and that they stay on top of maintaining the quality and "Je ne sais quoi" that makes it a "Mr Fries Man" experience.

[@stevenpaynter4215]

you sound like you need frie3nds lol

[@JonO387]

He's annoying af.

[@josecontreras1781]

The fact that he said he was broke as f… and his lady stuck with him through all the beginning of a dream till now is incredibly cool. Props to both of them.

[@txmade4371]

Boring.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Los Angeles Zoo

[@klausrostock4163]

His father put the money , well that’s what the father was saying at the Home Depot in Ladera heights , on slauson

[@EclipsingMomentum]

These replies are currently under construction

[@lewisc9959]

Amen! Honestly, most women today would not stick with a broke man, they would leave right away! Thank god there are still some loyal women around!

[@shreqboi1]

“It was getting to the point I was damn near shaped like a potato” I felt that 😆😆

[@tizzubestar]

😆

[@jusrayne]

Lol

[@angelffalcon3134]

dont say that to a german..haha

[@d.c.4706]

HILARIOUS

[@snsn7251]

🤣🤣🤣

[@serendipitousslim1529]

Gotta love this guy. His attitude, his work ethic, his family and support who helped him succeed and who he’s lifted up with his success. Those fries look exceptional too. Whenever I get out to the West Coast next I definitely wanna try some.

[@darleneachille491]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 i must go too

[@TarlowlawofficeHouston]

What a great guy. He came up with an original idea, marketed it, had his wife backing him on his purpose, and used this to elevate family and friends. Most of all, he didn't change because of money, he used the money to make better changes for those around him. Blessings to him and this enterprise.

[@magnumxlpi]

It's not an original idea. There's a chain like this in Germany. I'm sure there's others in other countries

[@nca4794]

A true role model!

[@Nonyah123]

Definitely not original. Look up Smokes Poutinerie, there are 100s of restaurants in Canada selling everything you can imagine on fries. They have a 'carnival' themed one which is a poutine with a pogo stuck and cotton candy, caramel corn, they have perogies fries, so much more. Yeah, tons of places do 'protien on fries'. Oh we also have TONS of shawarma places that do chicken or beef on fries with tons of sauces.

[@teeptepe7022]

From europe lmao. Not original at all but tbh who cares if he earns his money from it

[@totenfurwotan4478]

Lol nothing about that is original

[@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon]

What a nice guy, I wish him all the success in his business. Community hero

[@N...213]

His love and acknowledgement of his wife 🤍🤍🤍

[@darleneachille491]

❤❤❤❤

[@jshshh1041]

If I knew nothing else about him, the fact he still visits and talks glowingly about the mother of his first child tells me he's a great man. 14 years is a long time, many people forget and move on from their beginnings. But not him. It's incredibly sad she died so young, but he's still honoring her legacy even in a completely different life

[@NoPauseTv1]

That's all you took from this?

[@lordcozy7]

@@NoPauseTv1 fr weird Asf

[@ThomasBMagwn]

@@NoPauseTv1 dont judge others! Be nice! 😎

[@johncarlo6709]

@@NoPauseTv1 you bitter as hell fool

[@therealist2000]

The only people that are weird are the people that didn’t post this. Salute to OP for posting this, the fries man is super humble and it shows.

[@AmayaZelaya]

Nothing but pure motivation in this video! Salute my brother!

[@KR-bk4vs]

Was good Amaya. Saludos from Arlington VA

[@enigma9k]

I’m sitting here in Australia watching this young guy who’s energy is infectious talk about family more than he talks about his business and giving them all the credit for the support. It’s going to be a few years till I’m in LA again, but I know I’m gonna hit up Mr Fries are for some food when I get there.

[@katem2411]

I love how this gentleman gives credit to his whole community for the success of his business and family. This was inspirational - and now I want some of those fries lol

[@MrZayJames]

Definitely going to LA

[@arielreyes6417]

@@MrZayJames ain't gonna lie LA sometimes be nice but dawg its ugly as fuck out here

[@singahsung712]

Definitely going to LA for fries and for youtube video i record

[@NYGIANTS355]

I respect the fact he gives props and respect to family members helping him raise his kid. Most people take all the credit and don't acknowledge extended who played key roles in raising a child.

[@DRPosterBoy]

He is family oriented and so positive

[@MrYuJoo]

While I was visiting LA, I had to check this place out since they kept advertising it to me in Baltimore. I walked in with my digital camera and the owner in the video was awesome! He actually let me into the kitchen to take photos of him and the food. Fries were amazing too!

[@dabul3169]

As a man that's starting selling BBQ from home, this man is speaking facts. Stay strong, stay focus , recognize those who help you, and trust the process.

[@Marblegrass]

How did you advertise? How did you start?

[@jasonallen3678]

✊

[@jrlesst1115]

@@Marblegrass you’re phone is a free advertising tool . IG , FB , Reddit , tik tok etc

[@TheRausing1]

I deffo take some good BBQ over any kind of fries

[@notcool2594]

Best of luck bro.

[@trix_ant25]

“So basically everything that I like I just throw on top of fries” can’t get and explain it more simpler than that. I miss being a cook at the movie theater, we had real chefs and I was a backup and man when I was high on break and was in that kitchen I made fries with anything on it thought I could open up a shop like him lol.

[@redbaboonass4416]

So smart of them to start franchising their restaurant. Getting a lump sum of money for the franchise plus monthly percentage from sales now multiply that by 31 locations. They doing it right!

[@questionmark1152]

Most of that lump sum goes into setting up the building.

[@miniair]

Only 17 locations if you go to the website for this business. Still awesome though

[@redbaboonass4416]

@@miniair they said 31 locations so I wonder that happened to the other 14 locations.

[@rawnuhld]

@@redbaboonass4416 There's one here where I live in Vegas and the fries were bomb!

[@ainareyes1869]

@@redbaboonass4416 maybe the 17 locations is under a franchisee and the other locations is directly handled by them?

[@Fashaw166]

Wishing this man and his family nothing but success.

[@sem5548]

This guy deserves it all. More power to the brother.

[@greasome]

Ive been to this place multiple times and I can attest that they serve high quality every time. I crave these all the time it's like the best meal ever.

[@itsDjjayyArt]

I wish they international

[@bossytweed6664]

Really?! I tried this place maybe 4-5 years ago and the few times I've had, it was too salty and the shrimp/crab fries had crab shells in it. I think these fries look better than they actually taste but idk its been awhile since I've had, maybe now that he's expanded the quality has gotten better idk but I havent had interest in these fries since.

[@red2theelectricboogaloo961]

@@bossytweed6664 i mean, that'd be my guess. he might have been just starting out or something.

[@MrKleenexDude]

​@@bossytweed6664 Well typically the exact opposite happens when restaurants expand

[@Messup7654]

I went to the one in Atlanta area didn’t look good but the fires was so good I would spend all my money going everyday

[@freudvibes10]

The way he speaks about his wife is so admirable !!!

[@travelboi4584]

blessings to this man and his wife they had a vision and it came tp fruition

[@TheVampyrOfMyli]

The fact his kitchens were looking clean with all the oil & etc.. Being used, is already a great selling point 👍

[@kikichatman7688]

This is my cousin. I'm ultra proud of you both fam! This is truly a remarkable accomplishment! 💯💥✌🏾💥🌟💫🥰🙏🏾♥️

[@Highrollers392]

Much respect to you n your family🙏

[@scxrmane1567]

@@alljerseysmatter. why is it any of your buisness?

[@staymadloser7754]

He’s a sellout tho

[@Divinehammer3000]

@@staymadloser7754 is Serena sell out?

[@markelraya10]

@@alljerseysmatter. even if she was lying, why does it matter

[@AqvaSerpentis]

This dude was definitely a stoner, the creativity is off the charts and he’s obviously passionate. Wishing this brother the best fr.

[@thesliquifier1381]

Fuck

[@ethannustad4102]

Omg looks so good also his kitchen looks clean af

[@pressplay04]

“You actually gotta try to see if you’ll fail or make it” Straight facts 😭😭😭

[@hunnedmillion]

even with a fail, you can always get back up too

[@teressacooks7928]

His friend who did his logo reminds me of the lead singer of THE ROOTS. When his other friend spoke about how he's doing things in the community that no one accomplished in 80 years...I was almost in tears from the pride in his voice🥲🥲. May God continue to bless his family and prosper his business 🙏🏿

[@frankyohance4625]

This story and how this business is so family oriented is super inspirational.

[@DrMilanSkoric]

"We was broke as shit, we was broke, I ain't goin to lie to you." Made me laugh! Love the honesty and seeing the success.

[@cvswinepapi2465]

couldnt be that broke if you have the capital to start a business

[@jeanpremier4]

@@cvswinepapi2465 start selling out of your house without uncle Sam finding out and a few years you'll have what you need

[@cvswinepapi2465]

@@jeanpremier4 nah I def know the way I’m saying to just be popping franchises out. I own two small businesses and shits tough but it will pay off

[@jeanpremier4]

@@cvswinepapi2465 that's what's up, just keep grinding bro

[@krunchyv]

I love seeing someone w passion. Even making fries. You got pride w your work and I solute that w the most respect fr. I love seeing passionate people doin their thing

[@nickygrubs4877]

Shout out to this guy making simple cheap food into a success. He is also humble and has passion in what he loves… that’s key

[@Alliekatsdad]

This man's energy! He and his wife risked it all for the dream. His friends and family building it. THIS IS THE AMERICAN DREAM!

[@Carltonwanks]

Why are u so excited? It's just fries

[@Cap.reaper]

@@Carltonwanks bro really you had to say this shit

[@joedellabate306]

​@@Carltonwanks soft bigotry of low expectations

[@JT-fv6ih]

Funny how everybody speaking on the wife thing, but he’s been creeping the whole time lol

[@pavonisCs]

He had alot of support from his family and friends and he doesn't disregard it and he always talks about how they helped him.... Everyone deserved family like that

[@thesliquifier1381]

Fuck

[@imFrawst]

I found this guy on Instagram when it was out of his house so hyped to see his success

[@sunnysinghldn]

Same. Read about him years ago. Wish he came to London.

[@Kal-El207]

I hope he expands and grows more. That’s just amazing.

[@danieldevera4122]

yeah dude, I want to try everything it has on the list!

[@Royaltybrand]

So many locations

[@DOEMSROS]

hi . my name sros i am very enjoy your food

[@mik7564]

His personality is on point! I love it.

[@diedrasmalls5125]

This story is such a inspiration to anyone out here trying to make it. Family is everything to me. Keep it up

[@DashingSteel]

This man rose above everything that brought him down and uplifted an entire community. Without people like him humanity wouldn't achieve jack shit. Blessed.

[@spencercharels4121]

Admire, love and appreciate his straight forward honest dialogue .

[@pedrosaucedo3841]

I worked with this guy before he blew up. This guy deserves everything that he has become.

[@donniezawadski2047]

As a chef in LA . Born and raised .... This man is king , passion and quality go a long way if your honest business owner in the community . Wish I could work for him . 🙏

[@eastlospimp]

You’re not a chef

[@donniezawadski2047]

@@eastlospimp sshh , it gets better for you

[@QuadA195]

U mean line cook

[@hemical7189]

@@QuadA195 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@beetlejews]

He doesn’t hire Burger King workers

[@michaelfouladi4961]

When you have the right person, the right people, behind you, anything is possible. Seeing stories such as this never ceases to amaze me, and I know it’ll serve as an inspiration to thousands, including myself. Great work

[@MMallon425]

I love the parallel between launching and growing the business compared with the trajectory his son is on, now going to college. Almost the first thing out of Craig's mouth in both cases is the list of friends and family who helped them get to where they're at. Very impressive work ethic and a solid support network and inner circle.

[@mayorwest12]

Real talk, they all look slammin and my man's passion is on point 🔥🔥🔥

[@aw_shucks17]

mf french fries

[@bknight442003]

This is a great example of hard work, teamwork and perseverance! I wish them much success!

[@dirtyrickington]

I wish this guy the best in everything he does and pursues. What a great mindset he has and his love for family is incredible.

[@corgeousgeorge]

This guy is a star! Charisma everywhere! Happy for him and his family!

[@the4cqueen148]

This man is a stand up guy & His Wife is a real one. Blessings to you brother.

[@Omarrz]

Love how everything with this dude is Fries themed. "Love my wife...She's fry-tastic," or "He (God) had another plan for me. He made me Lord of the Fries..." Hahahaha! Much respect to this man especially for helping out his family and community with the business. I'll be sure to check this place out next time I'm around that way

[@therealist2000]

I am so happy for dude, I’m from the UK and randomly came across this video and I can tell dude persevered and made it though. His wife also supporting him with the idea of the business when they had no money is awesome, good to have family helping and supporting you.

[@individualwoman8427]

Bless him the family and the business. What a lovely man.

[@84Regal402]

I'm from omaha Nebraska, lived in SD since 2006, and moved to LA in 2018, I work in Compton and a local guy, my coworker told me about this place 2 years ago...fell in love with it, my girl and I want to do something in the food business, seeing this video and the whole story, damn man, makes me want to take that leap! Love this story and the fries man!! Thank you!!

[@DNGR369]

This guy is on fryer! Such a wholesome man, and his wife is soo lovely. They knew right away how to succeed by bringing their trusted people in. Not everyone has that, but everyone wants to support that!

[@yuvonniabowe2765]

He has a beautiful energy 🥰 his wife is amazing! Much more success to you both!

[@itsmrsmarci]

I'm so happy and proud of you Craig!!! Elementary school classmate out here killin em with the fries!!

[@Kay.Shantel]

Respect! I’ve only had Mr. Fries Man twice but they were from locations in different states and smacked both times! Love his energy and that consistency is how you do good business!

[@eggboi584]

So inspiring, like literally, bless u, your family, your friends and your business Mr. Fries Man.

[@josiahross2463]

He had a lot of fry puns that I didn’t expect 😂

[@postpwnmalone]

Hellooo

[@ddylanchan]

it took me like 2 minutes to get lord of the fries. what a guy😭

[@BonitaUzABum]

From French fries to a franchise. Love this guy would love to go here when I go to the states again

[@conrad9398]

I wish the best for this family so much. Incredible story - love it!! Keep up the success

[@BruinsPastaSauce]

what a strong family, yall clearly lost a lot and the village came by and stuck by. I seen it in my own family just the opposite way sadly. keep on going, yall crushing it. If im ever on the west coast in my life this is my first stop.

[@newproonline]

Best clip ever!! This guy gives love to everyone else. He is a top role model for people I hope he gets bigger than McDonald's!!

[@2HRenovation]

Love this guys attitude! He’s definitely an inspiration.

[@jstamps101]

Hope this man and his family create an empire. ✊🏾🙏🏾

[@co8539]

They really already have! Its crazy man 34 locations. They’re gonna be at 1000 soon I bet

[@TheChoralist]

@@co8539 yes exactly and it's only been 5 years !! He started his first location in 2017 and already has 34 locations and just opened another in Florida if I'm not mistaken

[@jorhodes8507]

What a beautiful inspirational story. I just shared this with one of my very close friends who's like family to me, to give her some inspiration in something she's trying to create for the future with her business idea. Many blessings to you and your wife. 💞

[@Messup7654]

Did she find her idea?

[@darleneachille491]

Amen!!!‼️

[@joejones5637]

Keep up the good hard work 💪🏾

[@Ejs_Chicken_Sandwiches_]

Congrats on your success bro. Growing up from SD, currently pursing my cooking passion and watching this is hella inspiring and motivational. Keep doing ya Thang bro

[@jasongist3791]

God bless this man and his family. This was a beautiful story.

[@ccmyplaymate]

I've watched a few of these vids now, this is the one where I subbed to the channel. I like that it focuses on the food and the vendors-not ego centric hosts

[@baylez4533]

Such a humble man. I love his drive! I can't wait to try my first fries plate from Mr. Fries Man! 🍟

[@swayc4406]

I thought the prices were kinda steep but after seeing how much food you get, it definitely seems worth it

[@corgeousgeorge]

See now, I always like that b/c I have no problem paying for stuff if you give me the stuff! Like for example, Lobster Bisque, places always trying to charge 12 bucks for a cup and there's no lobster in it. Damn charge me 20 bucks but put some damned lobster in it! This guy is pricey but he gives value to the price. I agree with you, seems definitely worth it!

[@jefftc14]

LA prices or real world prices? LOLs

[@YollowBoys]

@@jefftc14 seems like LA prices

[@Techfuse13]

I'm sure they pay their employees well though. I can almost smell the fries.

[@MrZachgonz]

LA usually like $15-20 for an average lunch.

[@tezhancalhoun-massey8180]

This is hands down the best interview y’all done yet

[@2sweet408]

Im so proud of him and his wife! That's what you call winning! They are passionate and having fun! All the best to you!

[@daoyang223]

This guy is absolutely inspiring. I wanna follow this guys journey!

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Many blessings to you and family and Franchisees. Greetings and respect to all from Durango Mexico 🇲🇽

[@Luna11280]

Food is art. You can really tell when someone has the motivation and drive

[@tony5089]

“It got to the point where I’m damn near shaped like a potato” 🤣, respect to the homie doe this was a great story. Bless up🙏🏼

[@PAWGmoth]

people like this really really inspire me

[@JRally6]

Props and blessings to you guys. Love seeing this. Respect from Chicago

[@bryanboria608]

This is so inspiring man from being a young dad at 18 with nothing to owning 34 locations is absolutely insane if I’m ever in la again I wanna check it out

[@tiffanythompson5072]

I just love this. He had a dream, and he went with it. I love fries I hope to go and try these one day. They look so good/ I love that he had this idea about fries. I love that his family is involved. Good luck to you Mr. Fries. I need some mailed to me lol

[@mr.aquarius]

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Crab though....need that

[@aw_shucks17]

mf french fries

[@KeebasLife]

Great example of, “Starting From The Bottom”. Excellent story.

[@clumsydrummer7914]

Absolutely nothing but respect for this guy. If I'm ever on the opposite coast I'm gonna make it a point to seek out Mr. Fries!

[@LiTTLeDizZyUriNe]

You love to see it. Nothing but best wishes and great success to him and the family. I can def see Mr. Fries Man being a global franchise.

[@XFlaviousX]

What a decent bloke, So nice to see someone genuine succeed.

[@rainmaker_superb]

I've eaten at the Gardena spot a few times. It's a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it. Didn't know his story, but it's really cool to see that he attests his success to his family. Hope his business continues to thrive, I love seeing the good ones do well. I might need to get another Honey garlic steak fries again real soon

[@rollotomassi6374]

I was in the fresh cut fries business for 30 years down south…..absolutely loved it…..the landlord knowing how much business I was doing wanted to double my rent….after 3 decades and the higher cost of goods, labor, fixed costs, etc it just wasn’t viable to renew….but now since the pandemic, landlords are looking for experienced tenants with positive returns….so now I am looking again……congratulations young man on your success……you deserve it.

[@GlockRevolver]

Damn, he doesn't short on the crab. Everything looked awesome. Hope he ends up like McDonald's, so I can have some where I'm at

[@sko1beer]

If you seen the movie you want to be the milkshake machine sells man

[@SymonnePat]

@@sko1beer that guy had no morals lol

[@sko1beer]

@@SymonnePat I thought that when I first saw the movie but if you think again without milkshake man the macdonalds brothers would be a 1 shop business till the day them 2 retired and definitely not walk off with a million usd. The good news is I googled it and the brothers brought shares in macdonalds

[@lukasandresson3990]

@@SymonnePat 10 out of 10 🐝💕🏵

[@jacobquevedo6716]

@@sko1beer the two brothers walked away with all that money but the decline of QUALITY sure did drop. Franchising isn’t always the best. If the food is delicious then you will be recognized and sought after no matter how small of a shop you are.

[@hitachicordoba]

As a Gardena local, super proud of Mr. Fries Man! Anthony Robbins, step aside, fool- Mr. Fries is THE greatest motivational speaker. His positive energy is infectious!

[@gameplayer1980]

Lemon garlic shrimp and crab fries. Sounds like heaven.

[@LindsayDaly]

Shit. I love french fries. These look so good, I gotta get some next time I'm in LA. Love that. he said 'fuck no' to external investors skimming off the top and just did the franchising himself. Also crying at how he casually uses 'frytastic' in conversation.

[@TheChoralist]

He has 34 locations around the country not just LA check the website idk where u live but it might be a location close to you if you live in the states. Hell he's even in Utah with multiple locations there. Arizona, las vegas Nevada, Texas, Georgia, north Carolina, now Florida

[@PandaRavioli]

This man's character is fucking S tier, second to none, first class, amazing. I'd eat at his spots even if the food was shit

[@luiscarrillo8178]

You would eat shit?

[@finessinhearts]

@@luiscarrillo8178 they meant like if the food was bad not literal “shit”

[@voiceofreason2674]

His last name is batiste and he’s talking about Ruth’s Chris. I can already tell in 1 minute his people come from Louisiana and that’s why he has culinary intuition. I swear to god we got lucky when the French came here and instilled that food genius in us