Detroit’s Better Made potato chips represent more than just a regional snack. Since 1930, this resilient company, founded by Sicilian immigrants, weathered fierce competition and economic downturns to emerge as the city’s last standing chip producer. Through quality-focused production, local sourcing, and innovative flavors, Better Made transformed from a small operation into a beloved institution. Its survival story, intertwined with Detroit’s own narrative of perseverance, offers compelling insights into how traditional brands can maintain relevance while honoring their authentic roots.
The Rise of Better Made: Detroit’s Potato Chip Legacy
In the heart of Motor City’s culinary landscape, Better Made potato chips stand as a symbol of immigrant entrepreneurship and Detroit resilience. Founded in 1930 by Sicilian immigrants Cross Moceri and Peter Cipriano, the company began as Cross & Peter Company before adopting its current name. Their humble beginnings involved selling chips door-to-door and from stands on Belle Isle, packaging their crispy creations in simple waxed paper bags.
Better Made: Detroit’s crunchable legacy, born from Sicilian grit and wrapped in Michigan pride since 1930.
The company’s expedition through Detroit mirrors the city’s own evolution, moving from East McDougall Street to Woodward Avenue before ultimately establishing roots on Gratiot Avenue. Better Made weathered fierce competition in a market once crowded with over 20 local chip manufacturers, emerging as the last potato chip producer standing in a city known for its impressive per capita chip consumption. The company strategically positioned retail branches near movie theaters throughout Detroit to increase visibility and sales. The founders chose the name “Better Made” specifically to emphasize quality in their potato chip production.
The secret to Better Made’s longevity lies in its commitment to quality ingredients and production methods. Each year, the company transforms over 60 million pounds of potatoes, primarily sourced from Michigan farms, into crispy, golden chips fried in 100% cottonseed oil. This dedication to quality extended to innovation when Better Made introduced barbecue-flavored chips in 1973, followed by sour cream and onion varieties. This commitment to evolving with consumer tastes mirrors how major retailers like Costco adapt to changing customer preferences in their food offerings. Much like premium vodka sauce brands, Better Made emphasizes authentic ingredients and proper balance for a superior product experience.
Despite remaining primarily a Michigan brand, Better Made chips have developed a cult following among Detroit expatriates. The company cleverly adapted to changing markets by embracing online sales to satisfy cravings from former Detroiters scattered across the country. This regional loyalty speaks volumes about the emotional connection consumers have with this hometown brand.
The company has expanded beyond traditional potato chips to include corn chips, pork rinds, and dips while remaining family-owned through decades of operation. Better Made’s ability to adapt while maintaining its authentic Detroit identity has created more than just a snack food—it’s crafted a tangible piece of Detroit culture that continues to crunch its way into the hearts of generations of loyal customers.
