Everything you need to know about 'potato' debate in Portsmouth as SpudBros franchise prepares to open
Jacket potatoes have caused quite a stir in the city over the last few months resulting in a city divided - here is everything you need to know.
At the start of this year, it was announced that SpudBros would be opening a new franchise in Commercial Road a stone’s throw from the Jacket Potato Lady trailer, which has been operating since the 90s - sparking concern for local traders.
SpudBros’ journey started in 1955, when a hot-potato cart first opened on Preston’s Flag Market. Decades on and brothers Jacob and Harley Nelson have transformed the family tradition into one of the UK’s most recognisable food brands boasting more than 4.8 million followers on TikTok.
The brothers started expanding and opening franchises back in 2024 where it has already established successful locations in London, Blackburn, Liverpool, Sheffield and Wakefield.
But despite local entrepreneur, Sunny Bassi, taking on the Portsmouth franchise, which will open on January 27, the city has been divided.
He said: “What Jacob and Harley have built with SpudBros in Preston really inspired me, and I reached out because I wanted to bring that same energy, pride and community spirit to Portsmouth.
“The franchise model empowers local people to build something meaningful in their own city, and from day one we’re focused on supporting the local economy, creating real opportunities for local workers, and working alongside other local businesses so everyone benefits.
“SpudBros has shown what’s possible when local people are backed properly, and we’re proud to be continuing that here in Portsmouth.”
Last week, Vicky Penford, owner of the Jacket Potato Lady van, took to social media to express her concerns and ask her customers “not to forget” her when the new store opens.
She previously said: “I found out September time that they were going to open a franchise here. As you can imagine - 36 years, I thought this little tiny trailor compared to the big social media following they’ve got - I just thought we were going to be wiped out of Commercial Road, so I am pretty gutted but I went on social media and told people and the community of Portsmouth has just got behind me 100 per cent. When they open, will they still back me? I hope so.
In response, Vicky has been inundated with business from locals, with TikToker and friend, Spud Man, visiting the trailer city on January 14 to show his support.
As a result of the visit, hundreds of people flocked to the city centre to get their hands on a spud dished up by the social media influencer, who has accumulated over four million followers on TikTok.
“Everyone is lovely. It looks like a nice town with nice people and that’s what it’s all about and the community has come out for her which is what it’s about.”
The news of SpudBros Express also comes following a trademark dispute involving Spud Fusion, previously known as The Spud Father, in Goldsmith Avenue at the end of last year.
Spud Man also paid Spud Fusion a visit during his trip to Portsmouth. He added: “The turn out was amazing and the people were lovely and you could not ask for more.”
In spite of the ‘potato wars’ SpudBros Express Portsmouth is due to provide a major boost has been overwhelming, with a recent local recruitment post attracting 1,154 applications in a mere 24 hours.
A spokesperson for SpudBros said: “When the brand opens in a new city, local potato sellers consistently see an uplift too, reinforcing SpudBros belief that growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of others, there is plenty of room for everyone to win.”
Although the controversy continues, Harley and Jacob have continued to promote the message - “there is room for everyone” - on their social media pages, and in anticipation of the opening, the brothers will be visiting Spudlickers in Leigh Park on January 26.