French fry vending machine opens in Columbus

We’ve had charity vending machines, pizza machines, and now there’s a french fry vending machine in the Columbus area.

Now open and located inside of Match Point Pickleball Club, a Hot Foods Vending french fry machine depenses freshly-made fries to hungry pickleball players for just $4.50.

According to Craig Kalie and Evan DuBro, who operate Hot Foods Vending, the French fry vending machine works like this:

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-Guests will order fries and pay. Host businesses set their price point (between $4-$7). Fries are $4.50 at Match Point.

-The machine, which is approximately five feet wide and three feet deep, holds 35 pounds of fries, in addition to a space with for frying.

-It has a stock of fries that are 90 percent fried. Once an order is placed, one of these orders will re-enter the frier to compete the final 10 percent of the cooking process, and to ensure they’re served hot.

-Orders are dispensed to guests in paper fry cups. Ketchup and salt is available on-site. 

According to Kalie, the machine has been in the works for a full year, which the duo took to source the highest-quality machine and secure the correct permits. While Match Point is the first Columbus location serviced by Hot Foods Vending, it likely won’t be the last.

“Indian Mound Mall [in Heath] will probably be the next to get one, since they don’t have a food court,” he said. “And we’re actively working with others right now.”

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