Minnesota Business Found Success With Apple Fries

The Spletts have seen surging demand for their deep-fried dessert sticks across the state.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Desserts

Screen-print poster illustration of a paper cone filled with fried apple slices, evoking the comfort of Minnesota state fair food. — The Splett family’s deep-fried apple sticks have become a sought-after dessert across Minnesota, gaining massive popularity at U.S. Bank Stadium and regional events. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer seeking out trendy new food items at local events rather than traditional staples?

Randy and Myranda Splett have turned their concession business into a local favorite by introducing apple fries. The dessert, consisting of batter-coated apple sticks tossed in cinnamon sugar, has become a massive hit at venues across Minnesota.

Why it matters

The treat gained popularity after the Gophers requested a new dessert item for the couple's menu. This addition allowed the business to capture significant market interest at major regional events.

The Spletts' apple fries were a top-grossing new vendor item at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. The product is served with a side of caramel sauce.

The players

Randy Splett

He is a co-founder and operator of the concessions business Minnesota's Original Brat Dogs.

Myranda Splett

She co-operates the concession business that developed the viral apple fries treat.

The details

Created after the Spletts encountered a similar version during a vacation, the fries use a gluten-free batter to coat the fruit. The snack is now a staple at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Mankato hockey arena, and various Gophers games.

Minnesota's Original Brat Dogs launched at Morristown's Dam Days in 2018.
Apple fries made their debut at the Minnesota State Fair in 2026.
The item accounted for 80% of sales at a Waterville event in late-September 2026.

Culture Shift

The transition of this snack from a fairground novelty to a permanent stadium staple reflects the broader trend of fair food vendors moving into year-round operations. This shift highlights how localized, nostalgia-driven treats can secure long-term commercial placement.

Fans attending games at U.S. Bank Stadium or the Mankato hockey arena can now incorporate the snack into their standard concessions routine. The success of the item suggests it will remain a persistent fixture at major state events and sporting venues.

The takeaway

The Spletts' success demonstrates how responding directly to consumer demand can transform a simple recipe into a high-demand business product. Readers looking to implement similar strategies should focus on filling specific menu gaps noted by their most frequent customers.