Posted by 
Preston’s TikTok sensations The Spud Brothers have announced the expansion of their SpudBros Express stores to Portsmouth.
This comes as a continuation of SpudBros expansion to different places across the UK, with other Express stores in London, Sheffield, Liverpool, and have most recently opened their doors in Blackburn and Wakefield last month.
The new store will be run by franchisee Sunny Bassi, who has previously operated Black Sheep Coffee outlets.
Read more: SpudBros lift up Ollie, 11, who was filmed being attacked in Withy Grove park
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.”
The opening of the South Coast location follows naming disputes in the city, when the owner of local business ‘The Spud Father’ claimed he was “threatened with legal action from SpudBros” over his name.
SpudBros disputed the claims, saying: “We are not suing anyone. Not now. Not Ever.”
The Spud Father has since been renamed Spud Fusion and has begun to collaborate with the Spud Bros – such as this recent tongue-in-cheek video.
@thespudbrothers #duet with @Spud Fusion #spudfusion We love the jacket potato lady #spudbros ♬ original sound – Spud Fusion
The site of the Express restaurant is on Commercial Road in Portsmouth city centre, not far from the Jacket Potato Ladies, a spud vendor that has operated in the city for 35 years.
Following online backlash from the public in Portsmouth, SpudBros responded to a comment criticising the choice of location, saying “this isn’t about replacing anyone or disrespecting what’s already there.
“The Portsmouth Express is owned by a local person, employs local people, and is simply another option for customers. We genuinely believe there’s room for more than one spud seller, and people should always have a choice.”
The Portsmouth SpudBros Express is set to open at 12pm on Tuesday 27 January, and will serve fan favourites, including the ‘SpudBros classic’ and the ‘SpudFather’, with free spuds for the first 100 customers.
Support Blog Preston: Keep our community reporting going and view the website without any adverts too. Sign up for a membership today.
Stay updated: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox. Help us report too, by contacting us if you see something we should be reporting on.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
