Uncle Ray's Potato Chips
Jenkins Foods
14245 Birwood Street
Detroit, Michigan 48238
Toll Free: (800) 800-3286
Phone: (313) 834-0800
Fax: (313) 834-0443
Uncle Ray started in business in 1965 out of the back seat of his 1961 Dodge Dart. A self made man who never went to college, Ray made and sold chip dips, popcorn and shrimp cocktail sauce to local bars and store in the Detroit area. In the early hours of the morning, Ray would be busy making his concoctions in his small apartment kitchen - and during the day, he would be out on the road selling his product.
His passion for food processing turned into his first large production facility located on Miller Rd. in Dearborn , Michigan . He adopted the name "Cabana Foods" and produced products under this name. The 15,000 square foot facility was the perfect size for making corn products, popcorn, and pork rinds.
By 1983, Ray needed more space. He decided to purchase the old Superior Potato Chip factory located at 14245 Birwood, on Detroit 's west side. The 75,000 square foot building made and warehoused potato chips. From 1983 - 1994, Ray produced over 15 flavors of potato chips and may corn products. The company began a cardboard container line of product and began to ship product nationally and overseas.
By 1993, the company began to take on too much debt, Ray decided to retire and sold the business to a large investor.
In 1995, Ray was presented with the opportunity to purchase back the business. Eagar to get out of retirement, Ray accepted and started the "Uncle Ray's" Potato Chip line of products. Leaving the Cabana Potato Chips name behind, he began selling the Uncle Ray's line with much acceptance.
