RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh's first fry bar is now open inside Morgan Street Food Hall. 

 

      What you need to know 

  • The inspiration for the restaurant came from a Colombian dish called, bandeja paisa 
  • The french fry spot is open Tuesdays through Sundays 

 

Husband and wife team, James and Johanna Windon got the idea for Buena Papa Fry Bar while they were cooking at home during the pandemic.

One of their favorite dishes is, bandeja paisa. The traditional Colombian dish is usually rice, beans, chorizo, pork belly and some other toppings. The Windons took that dish and replaced the rice with french fries, and Buena Papa Fry Bar was born.

"It's homey, it's easy, it's kind of perfect," Johanna said. "Now, it's become a fusion between cultures and french fries."

They say the name for the restaurant comes from a phrase Johanna's mother says often, 'buena papa' which means good person.

"I said buena papa! That's an awesome name for the potato company because papa also means potato," James said.

The idea for the business came during the COVID-19 pandemic when the couple had to temporarily shut down their cleaning service, Maid in Raleigh.​

“The kids were at home from school, and we were at home not doing anything. And just like everybody else, we were making a lot of brownies," James said with a laugh. 

Now alongside their flagship dish, "The Colombiano," they serve other french fry concoctions as a nod to other cultures, like 'El Mexicano' and 'El Italiano', served with Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, sauce and meatballs. 

“No matter what you put on it, they're universal, everybody loves a fry," James said.

Johanna Windon was born in Colombia and brought to the United States when she was 6 years old. Now, she hopes to share her culture through Buena Papa's food. ​

"It's mind blowing, and it makes me feel emotional ... because we have come such a long way," Johanna Windon said.

Buena Papa Fry Bar is open for customers Tuesdays through Sundays.