New Potato Chip Company Opens in Milwaukee

Mike Hottinger, the owner of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli in West Allis, Milwaukee saw an opportunity when he realized there wasn't a single local potato chip maker on the market. Hottinger and his two partners thought there was a void in the market they could fill, so, after meetings, test batches and the purchase of a commercial fryer, the three men launched Champion Chips. The first bags went on sale on January 10.

Available flavors rotate, and there are about a dozen so far; they include Buffalo, bacon cheddar, sriracha ranch, sour cream and onion, and truffle Parmesan black garlic. French onion is one of the flavors in development; he's made chips called Screamers with screaming-hot pepper powder from Milwaukee company Doorstep Peppers.

The chips are sold in two sizes: 1.5 ounces for USD1.75 and 3 ounces for USD3.25.

According to the owners, right now the Champion Chips business is just trying to stay ahead of demand, but ramping up production and wider distribution are on their minds. Production now is about once a week, with about 45 pounds of chips made.