George Speck, also known as George Crum, was an American chef and restaurateur born in 1824. He is best known for inventing the potato chip while working at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York. His creation was initially a response to a customer's complaint about thick-cut fries. Speck's potato chips quickly gained popularity, leading him to open his own restaurant, where they became a signature dish. His innovation contributed to the snack food industry, and today, potato chips are enjoyed worldwide in various flavors and styles. George Speck passed away in 1914, leaving a lasting culinary legacy.