About What the Fries
The concept for What The Fries started when chef/owners Jamie Barnes and Gregory “Greg” Williams, former Johnson & Wales University classmates and roommates turned best friends and business partners, made it to the final rounds of auditions for Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” in 2014 using the name What the Fries. Although they didn’t make it onto the show, they continued pursuing their dream of building a food truck serving gourmet loaded fries. They launched What the Fries as a catering company in 2014 and What the Fries food truck in a former FedEx delivery truck in 2015. In 2021, the culinary duo opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in South Charlotte. That store has since closed and the business has been on hiatus, but they are making their return at our Wesley Heights location this Fall!
Member Bio
Chef/Owner
Gregory “Greg” Williams
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Greg Williams has always been close to family and food. His parents and grandmother — his inspirations — instilled a hardworking mentality in him that he exemplified as he worked his way up in the food and beverage industry
Member Bio
Chef/Owner
Jamie Barnes
While growing up in Newport News, Virginia, chef Jamie Barnes often experimented in the kitchen and watched family members cook. His passion for the culinary arts was instilled in him at a young age. While in high school, he enjoyed watching food infomercials and “Emeril Live,” which he describes as the perfect blend of an entertaining late-night show and a cooking show. It was during that time that he decided he wanted to be a chef.
Member Bio
Operations Manager
Kaila Williams
Kaila is the sweet face that greets you most days at the restaurant and food truck. She manages the staff, takes customer orders, expedites orders, creates a productive flow during service, and maintains excellent customer service even through the busiest events. She is a big part of the reason What The Fries stays on top locally!
Kam
"Absolutely the most delicious meal I've eaten in a very long time!!!"
Conlisha B
"All the food was Amazing, Flavorful the Staff was very friendly and helped guide us into options to try"
Heather C
"Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Love the food too. My favorite dish is the lobster mac & cheese fries."
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