Major French Fry Breakthrough?

In the battle of the burger chains, McDonald’s has long controlled the french fry front.

But Burger King is launching an all-out potato assault. The Miami fast-food chain is testing a new french fry in 350 Burger King restaurants across the country.

The fries, which Burger King employees call by the code name “stealth fries,” are designed to be extra crispy and to stay warm longer than the competition’s fries.

“Judging from consumer taste tests, today’s ideal hamburger fast food meal is a Whopper from Burger King and McDonald’s french fries,” said Dennis Lombardi, executive vice president of Technomics, a Chicago fast-food consulting firm. “For Burger King, which is pushing a core menu, that presents a significant problem. If they can improve their french fries, they definitely can help their sales.”

Improving the chain’s french fries is part of Burger King’s strategy to concentrate on its core menu, said Burger King spokeswoman Cori Zywotow.

“This is a test, so it is still too early to say if these fries will go nationwide,” she said.