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In 1930, amidst the Great Depression, two Sicilian immigrants, Cross Moceri and Peter Cipriano, embarked on an entrepreneurial venture by founding a potato chip company in Detroit, Michigan, initially named Cross & Peter Company.
The business partnership between Moceri and Cipriano lasted for several years until the Cipriano family acquired full ownership of the company.
Upon this acquisition, the company underwent a rebranding, adopting the name "Better Made," which has since become synonymous with high-quality potato chips in the Detroit area and beyond.
In the nascent stages of Better Made's operation, the potato chips were packaged in modest, hand-stapled waxed paper bags, a far cry from the modern, automated packaging we are accustomed to today.
These humble packages of crispy delights were sold through various channels, including door-to-door sales by company representatives and at stands strategically located on Belle Isle, a popular destination for Detroiters seeking leisure and recreation.
This grassroots approach to distribution laid the foundation for Better Made's enduring presence in the hearts and pantries of the local community.
During the 1930s, Detroit's snack food industry was bustling with competition, as over 20 potato chip manufacturers vied for the attention and loyalty of the city's residents.
Among this crowded field of contenders, Better Made emerged as a stalwart, successfully navigating the challenges of the era and establishing itself as a beloved local brand.
While many of its contemporaries have since faded into obscurity, Better Made has stood the test of time, remaining one of the few surviving potato chip manufacturers from Detroit's golden age of snack food production.
In a significant milestone for labor rights and worker welfare, the employees of Better Made Potato Chips successfully unionized in 1937, a move that brought about tangible improvements in their working conditions.
As a result of this collective bargaining, the workers saw their hourly wages rise to 40 cents, a notable increase that not only bolstered their financial security but also demonstrated the company's willingness to invest in its workforce.
In 1955, Better Made Potato Chips reached a significant milestone in its corporate history by relocating to its present-day facility on Gratiot Avenue in Detroit.
This move signaled the company's growth and success, as the new location provided expanded production capabilities and a more efficient workspace to meet the increasing demand for its products.
The Gratiot Avenue facility has since served as the headquarters and primary manufacturing site for Better Made, becoming an iconic fixture in the city's industrial landscape.
In the 1960s, Better Made Potato Chips began to diversify its product offering by introducing flavored chips, a move that reflected changing consumer preferences and the company's willingness to innovate.
This experimentation with new flavors culminated in the launch of Better Made's first flavored chip in 1973: barbecue.
The success of the barbecue-flavored chips encouraged the company to continue exploring new taste profiles, leading to the introduction of sour cream and onion-flavored chips shortly thereafter.
In 1970, Better Made Potato Chips made a strategic move to expand its product lineup by acquiring the New Era Potato Chip Company from Frito-Lay.
This acquisition came after Frito-Lay had discontinued the New Era product line, presenting an opportunity for Better Made to resurrect a once-popular brand.
By bringing New Era under its umbrella, Better Made not only broadened its market reach but also demonstrated its commitment to preserving the rich history of Detroit's snack food industry.
In a strategic move to expand its market presence and production capabilities, Better Made Potato Chips merged with Made-Rite Chip Company, a fellow Michigan-based snack food manufacturer from Bay City, in 1994.
This merger brought together two well-established brands with a shared commitment to quality and regional pride, strengthening their combined position in the Michigan snack food market.
The integration of Made-Rite's resources and expertise allowed Better Made to further enhance its product lineup and distribution network, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years following the merger.
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