He said: "They say it's to do with the water levels after the earthquakes. It has been a problem for everyone.
"We are now using Mr Chips' chips in the meantime because our usual chips just burn."
Kaiapoi chip shop on Ohoka Rd also displays a hand-written sign apologising for burnt chips, blaming old potatoes.
It stated: 'Dear customer, we are sorry for the poor quality of the chips at this present time due to the cold weather. It has affected our potatoes badly which may cause them to burn slightly, kind regards.'
Shop owner Simon Pham, 40, said he has tried everything but without luck.
He said: "My customers are getting used to it now, but business has dropped by up to 30 oer cent.
"We cook 70 tonnes a year - a very large quantity - and this is the worst year I've had in the 10 years I've been here.
"The cold winter meant the farm supply of potatoes has been bad. Our local farm supplier had to dump 150 tonnes because of it.
"Suppliers blame the high water content because of the earthquakes, but I'm not sure, especially since some areas that weren't affected by the quake are still bad.
"I've tried seven different farms in Canterbury.
"We've tried lots of different things - different cooking temperatures, or soaking them longer in warm water - but there's nothing we can do."
Chip shop owners will have to wait until later this month, or into the New Year before the problem is resolved with the arrival of the new season's potatoes.
