‘Robbed’: Fast food chain slammed over price of ‘tiny’ hot chips

Aussies have unleashed their fury after a Sydney fast food chain served what many have called a “pathetic” hot chip portion.

Few things are more sacred to Australians than the humble hot chip.

Whether you prefer your crunchy carb thick cut or doused in chicken salt, it’s the ultimate litmus test for any takeaway joint, and one of the last things Aussies expect to be short-changed on.

So when a Sydney local vented on Reddit this week about their “pathetic” serving of hot chips – supposedly a budget snack that’s meant to fill you up – hundreds of chip lovers rallied behind them.

The outcry started with a blunt post accompanied by a photo of a small container of chips from the popular fast food chain, Zeus Street Greek, which has become famous for the crispy snack.

Known as ‘Yia Yia’s chips’, they’re made from “locally sourced” potatoes seasoned with sea salt and oregano, and were pictured in the post next to a pair of Apple AirPods for size comparison.

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A customer has slammed Zeus Street Greek for a ‘pathetic’ serving of chips. Picture: Reddit

“Zeus St Greek this is bloody pathetic. $5 small chips now come in a tiny sauce cup and contain maybe 12 chips, most of which were snapped in half to fit,” the author wrote.

“The bottom of the cup isn’t even flat,” they added. “It’s indented quite a bit, so the depth of the cup is actually about 20 per cent shallower than it looks from the outside”.

They didn’t hold back in follow-up comments either, saying: “This s**t is weak as f**k, it looks like something from a kids’ meal.

“I know it’s a ‘small’ but come on, it used to come in a normal rectangular chip packet and have at least twice as much. Why do they have to stooge you even on the damn chips these days?”

The poster, who works in hospitality, added: “Hot chips have one of the highest profit margins out of everything. On the very high end, there’s probably about 60-70c worth of chips in that cup.

“The packaging? It’s a 150ml biobak ice cream cup they used. I know because I order from them too. The price? $119.50 for 1000 cups, so 12c a cup.”

It is unknown which Sydney store the customer dined at. Picture: Zeus Street Greek

Chip lovers unite in anger

Fellow Sydneysiders rushed to support the cause, with one joking they were “microchips” and another saying it looked like a “toddler serving”.

Much of the backlash also seemed to be directed at the chain itself, with people complaining about rising prices and shrinking portions.

“Zeus has always been overpriced, but now they think they’re selling a plane ticket to Greece,” one joked.

“Google review that atrocity. Shrinkflation only exists if we, the consumer, allow it,” a second wrote, as a third called it “overpriced garbage”.

“Why are all these alternative chain stores getting so tight with chips?” another asked. “One of the cheapest things for them to churn out and make it feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. But instead, they do the opposite BS like this”.

The Greek food chain is famous for its ‘Yia Yia’s chips’ which are seasoned with salt and oregano. Picture: Zeus Street Greek

‘Not right’: Zeus Street Greek responds

Amid the outrage, a spokesperson for Zeus Street Greek told news.com.au the post isn’t exactly what it seems.

“The image being circulated refers to our small chips, which are priced at $3.90 for 120g, not $5 as claimed,” they said. “Our other options are regular chips ($4.50 for 180g) and large chips ($7.50 for 300g).

“These prices are consistent with the category and, gram-for-gram, our servings are among the most generous in quick-service dining.”

They still acknowledged that this particular serving fell short.

“In this case, the portion served clearly wasn’t right, and it doesn’t reflect our standards. We’re following up with the team to ensure every serve lives up to what people expect and love about Yia Yia’s chips,” they said.

It comes as the fast-growing food chain announced a bold move to expand its reach.

Last month, the company unveiled a partnership with Woolworths to introduce a range of 15 products for people who want to recreate dishes similar to those in-store, at home.

“We’ve got some make-at-home products like pilaf rice, there’s some sauces and there’s actually products that are almost directly (the same) as what we serve here in our store,” Zeus CEO Ramon Castillo said.

The $80m chain boasts 41 stores nationwide, which it has gradually opened over the past 11 years since the first Zeus store opened in Drummoyne in June 2014.

Mr Castillo said he plans to introduce another 100 stores across the country in the next five years.

Originally published as ‘Robbed’: Fast food chain slammed over price of ‘tiny’ hot chips