Jacket Required has been a hit for Hayling Island
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Maddie Kimber, 22, and Ellie Langton, 23, had no previous experience in running a business before they opened their jacket potato takeaway and delivery service this year.
However Jacket Required in Elm Grove, Hayling Island, has proved a hit and has already become a special part of the community.
Maddie said: ‘We’re still very young as a business, we’re definitely enjoying it and it’s something different as well. I've just danced and done gymnastics all my life so my mum and dad have helped and guided me a lot with their experiences from running businesses.
‘I used to live in Portsmouth so I didn’t know a lot about Hayling until I opened Jacket Required, but it’s actually been really nice because now I’m starting to know a lot more people on the island, and have seen how supportive and how much of a community they are.’
Jacket Required offers a range of hot and cold jacket potato toppings, and has even brought in a festive Christmas special, with turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets and Brussels sprouts.
Maddie said the Christmas potato has been popular so far, and she suggests people preorder it in advance if they want to get hold of one.
The takeaway also offers platters of mini jackets, perfect for workplaces or parties.
As well as potatoes, Jacket Required also serves homemade pastries and cakes, all made by Maddie’s sister Abbie, who helps out in the business when she can alongside her apprenticeship.
Enjoying being part of the community, the business has provided jacket potatoes and tray bakes for school children over summer, and hopes to do the same again over Christmas.
Maddie said that although it’s been tough at times, she’s really grateful for all the support from people.
She said: ‘I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s supported us, it’s just been nice especially in Hayling it’s just such a community, they always support us and where we’re so young you don’t often hear success stories with young people so they’re always behind us and pushing us on.’
The business has plans to launch monthly specials next year, starting with an ‘all day breakfast potato’ in January, and hopes to cater for more events and festivals in the future.
Jacket Required can now be found on Just Eat, alternatively call 07549 674446, visit jacketrequiredhayling.com or their Facebook and Instagram pages to get in touch.