Vending

Portland vending machine to offer rare chips

Photo: Adobe stock

June 26, 2026

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A Portland entrepreneur is launching a specialty vending machine dedicated to hard-to-find and regional snack chips from across the United States and around the world, according to a Your Oregon News report. The machine, called Mr. Chip, will debut at Mike Bennett Studios in northeast Portland, featuring products such as Ohio's Grippo's chips, Maine's Fox Family chips, Canada's Cheezies and a rotating selection of unusual flavors. Creator Keith Dickerson said the concept grew from his fascination with regional snack foods and the strong nostalgia many people associate with the brands they grew up eating.

Unlike traditional vending machines, Dickerson envisions Mr. Chip as a destination attraction. After acquiring a vending machine earlier this year, he developed a custom brand, stocked it with specialty snacks and added merchandise including stickers, patches and chip clips. The machine also features QR codes that allow customers to rate and review products, while an accompanying website provides descriptions of the snacks and their origins.

Dickerson hopes to continually rotate inventory and introduce customers to new flavors from different regions and countries. The machine also includes unique collectibles called "Flerps," handcrafted snack-themed artwork created by a local teenage artist. Following a grand opening event, Dickerson plans to seek a permanent, family-friendly location for the vending machine, positioning it as a place where visitors can discover new snacks while reconnecting with favorite treats from their past.