The smell of freshly baked tortillas once filled a family kitchen in Connecticut. Today, that same aroma drifts far beyond one home and onto store shelves across the state. What began as a humble family recipe brought to the United States from Poland has become Rose Sisters Chips, a Bridgeport-made favorite recognized in the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut” competition.
Known for their light, crispy baked flour tortilla chips and signature seasoning, Rose Sisters Chips has carved out a place in the state’s food scene, one bag at a time. But behind the brand is a story steeped in family, heritage and the belief that something made with love can become something much more.
In the 1940s, Goldie Rose began baking her seasoned bread chips, a Polish family tradition, for every gathering. By the 1960s, she had passed the secret recipe down to her daughters, Ann and Paula.
“All of our lives we would give these as gifts and have them at our family table,” said Jonathan C. Marcus, son of Ann Rose Marcus. “No matter where we brought them or who tried them, everybody said, ‘You really need to sell these.’ Fast-forward 35 years and we brought the chips to a party again, and someone said it again. That’s when we finally decided to do it.”
A Family Recipe Brought to Life
Since officially launching in 2018, Rose Sisters Chips has grown from a kitchen project to a full-fledged Bridgeport-based business. Unlike most tortilla chips, theirs are baked, not fried, giving them a lighter texture and a more satisfying crunch. Each chip is sprinkled with their secret signature seasoning, which has become part of the brand’s charm and a staple of their recipe.
“We obviously can’t disclose the specifics of our recipe or baking process,” Marcus said with a smile. “But what I can say is that the balance of ingredients we use makes the different flavors incredibly unique.”
Balancing that homemade authenticity with commercial production has been a key part of their success. “You would never be able to tell the difference between a chip that came out of the bag versus out of our oven,” Marcus added.
When Rose Sisters Chips was nominated for the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut contest, they were flattered. The annual competition sponsored by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association saw 16 Connecticut-made products vying for the prize.
“There are so many amazing products and services here in Connecticut. To think that our little family company is considered to be among them is really flattering and recognizes that my grandmother, mom and aunt created (intentionally, or otherwise) something that the market has never seen before,” said Marcus.
Beyond the recognition, the Rose Sisters team takes pride in their Connecticut roots. Their operation is based in Bridgeport, and Marcus says the company is committed to keeping it local.
“One hundred percent of our staff lives in Bridgeport, and we’re proud to promote from within,” he said. “We source as many materials and services as possible from Bridgeport-area providers, from our boxes and displays to our printing and consulting services. Being able to rely on local support is critical to our ability to respond to customer demand.”
Looking Ahead
The company continues to grow steadily, with plans for expansion on the horizon. “We’re always in the mode [of developing] new flavors,” said Marcus. “It takes time to find the right balance that meets our standards. We’ve even been approached by overseas buyers looking for unique American-made snacks.”
While those international discussions are still in early stages, Marcus says they see exporting as a promising opportunity in the future.
From a kitchen tradition to a brand celebrated across Connecticut, Rose Sisters Chips has become more than just a snack—it’s a story of family, faith, and flavor. What began as a simple gesture of sharing has turned into a business that honors its roots while baking up something distinctly its own.
As Marcus puts it: “We started with a family recipe and a lot of heart. Everything else grew from there.”
Visit the Rose Sisters Chips website to find locations throughout Connecticut where their chips are sold.
