NEW! 100% Grass Fed Tallow Oil “healthier alternative”
In 1983, Jim Vadevoulis, our Founder, began his illustrious career in gourmet snacking when he and his two brothers ran La Francaise, a large wholesale bakery specializing in authentic, European-style baked goods.
Over the next 20 years, Jim not only mastered the ins and outs of the industry, but brought an unwavering passion towards freshness to the snack aisles that changed the name of the game.
When asked when is the optimal quality of baked goods in its life span, he answered “as soon it is cooled down after baking!” This sentiment remained even after he and his brothers sold La Francaise, inspiring Jim to bring this same energy to the rest of the snacking industry.
With decades of experience, deep understanding of the market and an eye for true quality, Jim pioneered the design and creation of a machine that could do it all. Then, in 2003, his inspiration bore fruit:
The JiMiNY SnacKing™
The 1st All-In-One Potato-Chip-Production Machine!
Debuting in a cozy suburban restaurant called Fresco's in Elmhurst, Illinois, its popularity spread like wildfire, and the Midwest Supermarket game would never the same.
The first-generation Copper Kettle Jiminy SnacKing Machine made its debut at Frescos Café in Elmhurst, Illinois. This innovative system automatically sliced fresh potatoes, dropped them into hot oil, and used paddle arms to submerge them for even cooking. Once perfectly crisp, a Ferris-wheel-style lift gently removed the chips from the oil, shaking off excess oil before transferring them onto the exit conveyor—ready to serve hot, fresh, and irresistible.
The second-generation Jiminy SnacKing Machine debuted at Michael’s Fresh Market in Naperville, Illinois. This model introduced a complete redesign from Gen 1, featuring a lazy river system of hot oil for continuous frying. The traditional paddles and Ferris wheel were replaced with advanced conveyor systems for smoother operation and improved efficiency. In addition, it was built without a hood and included an integrated fire suppression system, setting a new standard in safety and performance.
The third-generation Jiminy SnacKing Machine debuted at Stanley’s Fruit Market in Chicago, Illinois. Building on Gen 2, it introduced a modern touchscreen interface with enhanced communication and recipe accuracy. The system also featured an integrated oil maintenance tank with built-in filtration and clean-in-place capability, improving efficiency, reliability, and ease of operation.