A woman has said her baked potato trailer business has 'snowballed' after emulating another spud takeaway's viral social media success.
Eastleigh-based Lynda Hardiman-Pearce is rivalling the viral TikTok and Instagram sensation Spudman from Tamworth with her beloved baked potatoes.
Lynda, 52, launched her business Absolute Spud Shack in Totton a year ago and has been met with great success.
She has turned the humble baked spud into an in-demand meal for many in the area.
Lynda said: “I have a lot of health issues, so I struggle to work for other people, so the idea of a jacket potato takeaway just popped into my head.
“There are so many takeaways around, but they are all burgers, kebabs, or similar food to that.
“So, I wanted to try something a bit different.
“I had no experience in doing anything like this, but I bought my trailer and started from there and it snowballed.”
Permanently based at AFC Totton since December of last year, Lynda is frequently inundated with orders and in-person customers.
She also attends various events, including, parties, weddings, and fêtes alongside her trusty staff.
“I thought this was going to be something I could do on a part-time basis”, she joked.
Lynda added: “We employ a few people from the area, people who also have health issues and cannot work, which is something I understand.
“We are smaller version of Tamworth-based Spudman so I did not expect this amazing response.
“I am really lucky I have grown-up sons who helped me set it all up, especially as I was in a wheelchair last year.
"I'm now a finalist in the Business Start Up category in the national Business Success Recognition Awards."
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Although Lynda hails from Eastleigh, she spent 20 years living in Totton and is pleased to bring her business to the area.
“I do love jacket potatoes,” Lynda said.
“I needed to find a niche in the market as well and I wanted to do something different.”
Lynda added: “We try and offer as many flavours as possible.
“I want to do what the customers want.
“The business is growing and growing, and I would love to see a chain of Absolute Spud Shacks.”
Absolute Spud Shack is open Monday to Saturday at AFC Totton.
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