Moore's Potato Chips were invented in Bristol, Virginia in 1924 but cannot be found today

Moore's Potato Chips disappeared from store shelves in Virginia.Photo byMoore's Facebook page.

Moore's Potato Chips were invented in Virginia

In April of this year, it was a century since Moore's Potato Chips were invented in 1924 in the kitchen of J.W. and Hattie Moore of Bristol, Virginia. Initially, the chips were sold at Mr. Moore's neighborhood store on 5th Street in Bristol became so popular they were sold in stores as far as 400 miles away.

Moore's offered several flavors, but the top three were regular potato chips, barbeque chips, and hot chips, which were my favorite. I purchased them in Kroger and convenience stores across the Commonwealth until they were no longer available.

The Moore's mascott.Photo byMoore's Facebook Page

What happened to Moore's Potato Chips?

There is no information online about why the production of the popular snack was discontinued. By 1989, sales from Moore's potato chips and other items had reached $74 million annually. This was the year the company was sold to Borden's, and the chips disappeared, at least from Southwest Virginia.

Internet searches for Moore's chips go to the Wise company, which was sold to Arca Continental. The Facebook page is for former employees and has no product information. It does indicate that the location where the chips originated is now listed as 918 Moore Street in Bristol. Herrs and other companies sell their version of hot chips, but nothing compares to the taste of Moore's.