And the 2015 Lays Do-Us-a-Flavor winner is.... Southern Biscuits and Gravy

The winning flavor of Lay's 2015 edition "Do-Us-A-Flavor" potato chip contest in the United States: "Southern Biscuits and Gravy"

October 22, 2015

Source

Pepsico / Frito-Lay

Four delicious potato chip flavors representing cities and towns across America have taken the snack aisle by storm this summer, competing for a chance to be the next Lay’s “Do Us A Flavor” contest winner.

Following millions of consumer votes cast, the moment has arrived: Lay’s — one of the marquee brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division — yesterday announced Lay’s Southern Biscuits and Gravy flavored potato chips as this year’s “Do Us A Flavor” champion.

Hailey Green, who submitted the idea for Lay’s Southern Biscuits and Gravy, will take home a $1 million grand prize or one percent of her winning flavor’s net sales through July 15, 2016 (whichever is higher).

Lay’s Southern Biscuits and Gravy flavored chips also will remain on store shelves following the completion of the contest.

Hailey Green's winning pitch:

Lay's Southern Biscuits and Gravy

Lay's Southern Biscuits and Gravy by Hailey Green

As a travel agent, Hailey Green has many opportunities to sample local flavors when exploring a new city. She has a great appreciation for each locale's "homemade style," because it reminds her of her own childhood, filled with memories of eating southern food in her grandmother's kitchen.

One of Hailey's favorite dishes is biscuits and gravy — a recipe that was handed down in her family generation after generation. Not surprisingly, this family-favorite also inspired her potentially million-dollar winning potato chip idea.

TV personality, multiplatinum recording artist and restaurateur Nick Lachey joined the Lay’s brand to crown Green the grand prize winner. Earlier this summer, Lachey joined the Lay’s brand for a cross-country adventure to surprise all four finalists at their doorsteps, letting them know their potato chip dreams were about to become reality. To see how the surprises came to life, visit www.DoUsAFlavor.com.

“As we bring this year’s competition to a close, one thing is certain: America is a country full of amazing flavors,” said Jeff Klein, vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “We congratulate Hailey on her victory, and all of the fans who will continue to enjoy this winning flavor on store shelves.”

As a travel agent, Green has many opportunities to sample local flavors when exploring a new city. She has a great appreciation for each locale’s “homemade style,” because it reminds her of her own childhood, filled with memories of eating southern food in her grandmother’s kitchen. One of Green’s favorite dishes is biscuits and gravy — a recipe that was handed down in her family generation after generation. Not surprisingly, this family-favorite also inspired her million-dollar winning potato chip idea.

The three runner-up finalists

The three runner-up finalists: Angie Fu from Irvine, Calif., who submitted West Coast Truffle Fries; Jeff Solensky from DuBois, Pa., who submitted New York Reuben; and James Wagner from Wichita Falls, Texas, who submitted Greektown Gyro each will receive $50,000 in prize money.

Given the tremendous excitement consumers showed for all four finalist flavors, the Lay’s brand also announced today it will look for opportunities to bring one or more of the three runner-up flavors back to store shelves for limited-time appearances following the completion of the contest.

Lay's Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries

Lay's Wavy West Coast Truffle Fries by Angie Fu

Angie Fu, a native Californian, has had a passion for food and discovering local flavors from an early age. She very nearly went into culinary school, but instead opted to keep her love of flavor a hobby.

When Angie is home, she is constantly in her kitchen, trying her hand at new dishes and sauces. But when Angie goes out to eat, she can't say no to truffle fries, even seeking out restaurants in the area that put their own local twist on her favorite side.

Lay's New York Reuben

Lay's New York Reuben by Jeff Solensky

Jeff Solensky helps manage a local restaurant in DuBois, Penn., where he pursues his true passion in life — food. Growing up in Long Island, N.Y., Jeff has fond memories of traveling into Manhattan to enjoy Broadway shows with his mother.

A big part of that tradition was stopping by popular New York delis beforehand to enjoy signature, mouth-watering Reubens. Inspired by the delicious Reuben sandwiches of his childhood, Jeff came up with the idea to infuse those same flavors into a potato chip.

Lay's Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro

Lay's Kettle Cooked Greektown Gyro by James Wagner

James Wagner has been in the Air Force for more than 18 years, traveling the country and abroad, and discovering local tastes at each stop on his journey.

While abroad, James discovered his fondness for Greek cuisine, so when he moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, he immediately sought out the closest gyro specialty restaurant. As it turns out, there is one right outside the Air Force base gate. His flavor inspiration comes from his regular visits to that restaurant.