Al’s French Fries Exits the NC State Fair After Nearly 70 Years as a New 15% Vendor Cut Reshapes Raleigh Tradition

RALEIGH, NC — One of the North Carolina State Fair’s most recognizable food stops is leaving after almost seven decades. Al’s French Fries said it will not return after fair organizers changed how food vendors are charged.

The fair is replacing its old flat-rate setup with a 15% cut of sales, a move officials say matches broader industry practice. With the gates set to open in 48 days, the change is already reshaping the lineup of familiar vendors.

Why the French Fry Stand Walked Away

For years, the fair charged food vendors $180 per linear foot. Under the new system, vendors hand over a percentage of what they make instead. Fair manager Kent Yelverton said the shift is meant to bring the event in line with what most fairs of similar size already do.

A family member of Al’s French Fries said the new model would be hard on a business that only operates 10 days a year. The stand announced its decision on social media last week, saying it had come after many difficult conversations and a great deal of reflection.

The post drew thousands of responses, and many fairgoers shared how disappointed they were to see the longtime favorite go. For many visitors, Al’s has been part of the fair experience for years, making the departure feel bigger than just one food booth leaving the midway.

A Fair Favorite Says Goodbye

Yelverton said the fair’s approach is part of a larger business change, not a break from tradition for its own sake. He said the percentage model makes the fair and its vendors partners, especially on days when sales are strong.

While one beloved vendor is stepping aside, others are preparing for another year in Raleigh. Angel Sweets owner Angel Louis is coming back for her third season and is once again offering wine-infused cupcake flights with optional cocktail shooters.

Louis said she hopes visitors keep showing up for local vendors and the treats that make the fair feel special. Fair officials have not yet finalized the full food-vendor lineup for this year, but they expect attendance to reach 950,000.

What Visitors Can Expect This Year

The fair’s food court is still taking shape, so visitors will likely notice some changes alongside the familiar sights and smells. Even with the loss of a longtime staple, organizers say the event will keep leaning on local sellers and crowd-pleasing favorites.

That means fairgoers should still find plenty of sweet and savory options when the season opens. The lineup may look a little different, but the fair is betting that the mix of new and returning vendors will keep the tradition lively for the hundreds of thousands expected to attend.

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