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End Zone Eats: Why beer-battered fries are the MVP of football season

September 2, 2025

Football season is here, and sports bars are buzzing with fans, friends, and frosty beers. According to Datassential, nearly three-quarters of drinkers have visited a sports bar in the past year¹, 69% of consumers go to a bar or sports bar for food and/or drinks, and 66% go to hang out with friends⁵. That’s a huge opportunity for operators to pair great drinks with crave-worthy food.

And what’s the ultimate bar bite that pairs perfectly with beer, burgers, and game-day vibes? Beer-battered fries.

Beer-battered fries are a proven fan favorite

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, beer-battered fries are a standout side that guests love. They show up on 17.3% of casual dining menus², and when paired with burgers, sandwiches, or shareable appetizers, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

But we didn’t stop at good, we made them great.

The road to a better batter

Our original formula didn’t quite deliver the bold flavor and rich color guests expect from a true beer-battered experience. So, we went back to the kitchen and reformulated with real beer, no artificial flavoring, resulting in a fry that:

Delivers a richer, darker golden color for stronger plate appeal

Brings forward authentic beer-battered aroma without sourness

Adds subtle crispiness without compromising prep consistency

We teamed up with our sensory scientist, product developer, and executive chef to make sure every detail, from aroma to texture, was dialed in to deliver a fry that stands out and keeps guests coming back.

Menu ideas that score big

Beer-battered fries aren’t just a side; they’re a menu moment. Here’s how to make them shine this football season:

Topped & Loaded: Add beer cheese (+79%⁴) predicted 4-year growth³, chili, or trending flavors like hot honey (+232%⁴), Nashville hot (+220%⁴), or mango habanero (+171%⁴)

Shareable Appetizers: Serve in baskets or skillets for bar-friendly snacking

Signature Sides: Swap in beer-battered fries to elevate plate presentation

Seasonal Features: Think BBQ pulled pork in summer, maple-bacon in fall, or holiday herb seasoning in winter

Sports Promos: Bundle with apps for happy hour or game-day specials

Why it works

Datassential’s research shows that most sports bar patrons stick to their go-to drinks and dishes, but they’re open to trying something new when it’s recommended by staff or part of a special¹. Beer-battered fries are the perfect low-risk, high-reward upgrade, familiar enough to feel safe, but bold enough to feel exciting.

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Ready to kick off fry [football] season?

Beer-battered products made with real beer are more than just a side, they’re a profit driver and a menu standout. With bold flavor, craveable crunch, and strong plate appeal, they’re built to perform during football season and beyond.

Try our beer-battered fry products this season and give your guests a reason to cheer on and off the field.

Sources:

¹Datassential Alcohol at Sports Bars: SIP 2024 Report

²Datassential MenuTrends YE Jun’25

³Datassential MenuTrends YE Jun’25, predicted 4-year growth on fry menus

⁴Datassential MenuTrends YE Jun’25, 4-year growth on side/app menus

⁵Datassential TrendSpotting YE Aug’24, Vol 107, Raise a glass to next-gen bars & beverages