World's Largest Cheeto | Algona, IA

Your weekly installment of oversized adventure

Dec 18, 2024

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The World’s Largest Cheeto in Algona, Iowa

In my quest to explore “world’s largest” things, I’ve come to realize that these unusual attractions typically fall into two categories:

Fanciful statues or monuments shaped like something else and labeled the “world’s largest” of that thing.
“World’s largest” things that are actually that specific thing — just extra, extra large.

Shockingly, the World’s Largest Cheeto is the latter. Its sheer existence is a snack food anomaly that Frito-Lay hadn’t seen before (or since, at least that we know of).

At an impressive 21 years old, the World’s Largest Cheeto could be considered past its prime. But I think its age only adds to the majesty of this massive chip. Don’t get me wrong though — it’s definitely one of the grosser unusual attractions we’re going to talk about in this series.

As if the fact that Iowa is home to the World’s Largest Cheeto isn’t funny enough, the story of how this sizable snack came to be is even funnier.

Fast Facts

Discovered: 2003

Size: About the size of a U.S. half dollar

Weight: 3/5 ounce (For reference, a standard bag of about 40 Cheetos weighs 2 1/8 ounces).

Fun Fact: While Guinness World Records has reportedly declined to certify Cheetos, the Frito-Lay company has allegedly confirmed that it’s the biggest they’ve heard about.

The Lore of the World’s Largest Cheeto

In 2003, U.S. Navy officer Mike Evans was stationed on a naval base in Hawaii. One day, in search of a satisfying snack, he popped open a bag of Cheetos only to make a shocking discovery: the colossal chip that would come to be known as the World’s Largest Cheeto.

Now, this was the early 2000s. A time when low-rise jeans and puka shell necklaces reigned supreme. It was also the era when a grilled cheese sandwich with the likeness of the Virgin Mary1 sold for $28,000 on eBay. The Internet of the early aughts was truly a wild place.

So, given the cultural context, the enterprising Evans did what any logical American would do, and he listed the colossal Cheeto for sale on eBay. Quickly, a bidding war ensued. Bids for the singular chip reached more than $1 million before the online platform shut the auction down.

In the meantime though, the Cheeto caught the attention of radio DJ Bryce Wilson thousands of miles away in the northern Iowa community of Algona. Because what better way to promote your small town than with a giant snack food? While Wilson had begun a public campaign to bring the Cheeto to Algona, the community’s fundraising hadn’t brought in enough to contend with the chip’s newfound fame.

Luckily for Algona, Evans saw the small town’s fervor for his find and decided to give the World’s Largest Cheeto to Algona for free, urging Wilson to donate the $180 the community originally bid on the Cheeto to local food banks.

Once it arrived in Algona, the celebrated snack needed a place of honor. That took awhile to find. Ultimately though, the World’s Largest Cheeto found a home at a local eatery called Sister Sarah’s Restaurant. Despite its location in a small town, the Cheeto continued to gain national acclaim. In September 2005, owner Tom Straub was interviewed by The Los Angeles Times about the Cheeto and his concern that someone might try to eat it during that year’s RAGBRAI2.

“‘It’s not insured, so it’s always a concern,’ Straub told The Los Angeles Times. He displays the ‘World’s Largest Cheeto’ within easy reach of diners and drinkers in his Sister Sarah’s Restaurant. ‘Only once I had a problem. I loaned it to be in a parade, and some guy took a little nibble. There’s a tiny indent on the side you can’t see.’”

However, when the restaurant closed and a new one opened in its place, owners Molly and Chad Berte got more than they bargained for — along with the space and remaining restaurant equipment came the famed Cheeto.

Plan Your Visit

If you want to plan your own pilgrimage, you’ll find the World’s Largest Cheeto atop its velvet pillow at Emerald's Fine Food & Libations in Algona, Iowa. While the Cheeto won’t curb your appetite, this local restaurant serves up lots of delicious comfort food and Midwestern staples (think burgers, steak sandwiches and hearty pastas).

Inside the restaurant, you’ll find the Cheeto sandwiched between some golf trophies in a walkway separating the bar, kitchen and main dining room. A true place of honor for an icon of its caliber. If you’re having trouble finding it, just as your server — they may giggle but will be happy to oblige.

Address: Emerald’s Fine Food & Libations, 1515 N. McCoy St. #1240, Algona, IA 50511

While you’re in Algona, consider making a few extra stops to:

Pop into The Antique Home Store (121 E. State St., Algona, IA 50511) for a blast from the past. This local antique store is full of fun finds at very reasonable prices.
Fuel up with some caffeine and a snack from Feed Mill Coffee Co. (16 E. State St., Algona, IA 50511).
If you visit during the month of December, you need to experience the Algona Nativity Scene (Kossuth County Fairgrounds, 700 E. Fair St., Algona, IA 50511). This half-life-size nativity was created by German prisoners of war held at Camp Algona in the 1940s, and is open daily during the month of December. Even if you aren’t particularly religious, this handmade work of art is worth the detour.

World's Largest Cheeto | Algona, IA

Your weekly installment of oversized adventure

Fast Facts

The Lore of the World’s Largest Cheeto

Plan Your Visit

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