Snowe, Michaud, Pingree ask burger chain to use Maine Potatoes

Ask Five Guys franchises in Maine to buy local for their fries

U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud have written to the owners of Five Guys hamburger franchises in New England and urged them to use Maine potatoes to make French fries at the restaurant in Portland and a new location scheduled to open in Bangor.

In a letter to franchise owners Gene Prentice and Jamal Bourdoute, Snowe, Pingree and Michaud wrote:

"As you know, purchasing locally can significantly cut down on transportation costs as well as result in fresher food. Additionally, a growing number of consumers in Maine and around the country are keenly interested in supporting local farmers and appreciate having a connection to those growing their food."

Over her nearly four decade career in the U.S. Congress, Senator Snowe has been a tireless champion for Maine’s potato industry.

“Maine’s potato industry is simply iconic, and the crop our hardworking farmers produce each year is