Overcrowding and supply shortages: Crispy Toast Fries temporarily suspends 24-hour operations

▲ Crispy Toast Fries operating hours adjusted to 12 PM–12 AM.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan, Taipei

Pork chop crispy toast at 80 NT dollars and a freshly made papaya milk at 60 NT dollars—such prices are considered affordable in the Yanji Street area. As a result, Crispy Toast Fries attracted large crowds eager to try it out right after opening. The continuous stream of customers exceeded the expectations of the management team, leading to insufficient supplies. To ensure better quality,Crispy Toast Fries has decided to temporarily halt 24-hour operations and switch tonoon to midnight (12 PM–12 AM),and will also enhance its in-store service processes..

Shen Lüyang, one of the partners at Crispy Toast Fries, said that due to the overwhelming crowd and the fact that all beverages and meals are freshly prepared, wait times reached up to one hour on the opening day. Shen explained that the kitchen workflow was not yet optimized during busy periods, which led to the situation. The team immediately reviewed operations that evening, and conditions improved somewhat the following day (Sunday). However, since both the crispy toast and juices are made to order, long waits still occur when customer numbers spike—though they have now been reduced to around 30 minutes.

As for adjusting the operating hours from 24-hour service to 12 PM–12 AM, Shen Lüyang said the main reason was supply concerns. For example, they initially prepared 600 pork chops, expecting them to last several days, but ended up using 400 by the evening of the first day. Due to the temporary change in hours—now set to 12 PM–12 AM—they will wait until customer traffic stabilizes, ingredient supplies are sufficient, and staffing is reinforced before announcing full official operations.This non-24-hour period is considered a trial run, with an 20% discount on all in-store purchases.

▲ Crispy Toast Fries has purchased an additional toaster oven.

In addition to adjusting business hours, Crispy Toast Fries has also temporarily suspended delivery services, offering only dine-in and takeout options. However, as meals are still made to order, wait times may still be somewhat lengthy. Shen Lüyang expressed regret and asked for customers’ understanding. He also noted that the team reviews the ordering, serving, and kitchen preparation processes daily, aiming to provide better service. Regarding long wait times, Shen assured that they will continue to reduce them. Additionally, the shop has acquired another toaster oven.

As for when the trial period will end, Shen Lüyang said it’s still hard to determine because they hope to keep refining operations until they fully meet customer expectations. However, he confirmed that the entire month of April will remain within the trial run period, so all items are 20% off.


▲ There were still quite a few people queuing even at noon on Monday.