Spud-tacular rise from having just 12p in the bank

A JACKET potato shop is proving so popular that people are queuing out of its doors.

- ROBERT DALLING

Self-confessed foodie Jessica Williams first started her business selling jacket potatoes in a horsebox in May 2023, looking to fill the gap that was left when one of her favourite childhood restaurants closed.

She took her horsebox around pop-up markets, weddings and other events, gaining loyal customers. In January of this year she decided to take the plunge and opened her first physical business at 50 Sterry Road, Gowerton, Swansea, called Spuddy Lovely.

The 27-year-old took somewhat of a risk when she first launched the business, with the help of her husband, Shaun, as she had only 12p left in her bank account. But her bravery was rewarded, as the Gowerton community has fully embraced her venture, with repeat visitors and newcomers alike every day.

Jessica said: “It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s been four months now, nearly five months, and it’s flown. We've been so busy every single day. The people that used to come to my horsebox, I'd say about 99% of them have come back, which is really amazing. I get new customers every day, but I always get returning customers.