He’s not a Michelin-starred chef, but Ben Newman – better known as the jacket potato guy – has somehow captured the hearts of millions across TikTok with nothing more than a crispy spud and a warm smile. From a simple food van in Tamworth to selling over 2,000 jacket potatoes in a single day, the spud man’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His charm, humble setup, and perfectly baked potatoes have turned him into a viral sensation, proving that sometimes, the simplest ideas make the biggest impact.
Ben, a 39-year-old vendor, has been running his modest jacket potato business from a trailer in St Editha’s Square for over two decades. His dad used to supply potatoes to the previous owner of the same spot, so in a way, it’s kind of a family tradition. What started as a quiet corner in Staffordshire slowly transformed into a bustling hotspot after he joined TikTok. Now, people are queuing up for hours, some even traveling from as far as Australia, just to get their hands on a jacket potato from the man himself.
But it's not just Ben making waves in the world of spuds. Jacob and Harley Nelson, known as the Spud Bros, are doing their own thing – running a quirky business out of an old tram carriage in Preston. Their videos, filled with laughs and tater talk, have also gone viral, adding to the growing popularity of jacket potatoes across the UK and beyond. So, how did a humble baked potato become such a big deal? And why are so many people lining up for it?
Who Is the Jacket Potato Guy?
Ben Newman, the real-life jacket potato guy, is a 39-year-old food vendor from Tamworth, Staffordshire. He runs a small trailer that sells nothing but jacket potatoes, and yet, somehow, he’s managed to amass a following of over 2.6 million on TikTok. His charm, simplicity, and knack for connecting with his audience have made him a household name in the world of food content. Unlike flashy chefs with fancy titles, Ben’s appeal lies in his down-to-earth personality and his genuine love for what he does.
How Did He Become So Popular?
Well, to be honest, it all started with a few short videos. Ben initially joined TikTok just to share snippets of his daily life at the van. He talked about potatoes, showed how he baked them, and interacted with customers. People loved his authenticity. There was no fancy editing, no filters – just a guy with a passion for spuds and a great way of making people laugh. That, combined with the growing trend of food content on social media, helped him go viral almost overnight.
What Makes the Jacket Potato Guy Different?
There are plenty of food vendors out there, but what sets Ben apart is how he approaches his business. He’s not trying to be flashy or overly trendy. Instead, he focuses on doing one thing really well – baking the perfect jacket potato. He talks about it like it’s an art form, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Whether he’s explaining how to get the skin just right or showing off his latest topping combinations, there’s a sense of joy in everything he does. That’s what makes him so relatable, and that’s why people keep coming back for more.
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How Did the Spud Bros Start Their Journey?
Jacob and Harley Nelson, the Spud Bros, are a brother duo from Preston who run a quirky jacket potato business from an old tram carriage. Their setup is unlike anything else – it’s not a van or a stall, but a retro tram that serves as both a kitchen and a filming location for their hilarious TikTok videos. With Jacob, 28, and Harley, 21, at the helm, the Spud Bros have carved out their own niche in the world of food content.
What Makes Their Content Stand Out?
For starters, they’re not afraid to be themselves. Their videos are filled with banter, jokes, and the occasional disagreement over who’s paying for lunch. It’s that kind of authenticity that makes their content so engaging. Unlike polished influencers who seem too perfect, the Spud Bros bring a sense of realness to their videos. They mess around, tease each other, and make the whole process of making jacket potatoes look fun and approachable.
How Did They Get Their Start in the Food Business?
It all started with a passion for cooking and a love for jacket potatoes. Jacob and Harley decided to take a chance and convert an old tram into a mobile food business. At first, it was just a small operation at Preston Flag Market, but word quickly spread. People started lining up, not just for the spuds, but for the experience. Their tram became a local attraction, and their TikTok presence only helped boost their visibility further.
What’s the Secret to a Perfect Jacket Potato?
Ben Newman, the jacket potato guy, recently shared his top tips for making the perfect jacket potato at home. And here’s the thing – it’s not complicated. In fact, his method is pretty straightforward. He recommends using Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes, wrapping them in foil, and baking them at a high temperature for around an hour and a half. The result? Crispy skin and fluffy insides – exactly what a good jacket potato should be.
What Toppings Does the Jacket Potato Guy Recommend?
When it comes to toppings, Ben keeps it classic but also loves to experiment. He often serves his spuds with butter, cheese, baked beans, tuna mayo, and even chilli. According to him, the key is to balance flavors and textures – something he nails every time. His customers rave about the combinations, and many TikTok followers have tried replicating his recipes at home.
Why Do People Love Jacket Potatoes So Much?
There’s something comforting about a jacket potato. It’s warm, filling, and customizable. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. In a world full of fast food and complicated recipes, the simplicity of a jacket potato is a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re grabbing one from a van or making it at home, it’s the kind of food that feels like a hug in a bowl.
How Has TikTok Changed the Food Industry?
It’s no secret that TikTok has had a huge impact on how we consume food content. From viral recipes to quirky food challenges, the platform has reshaped the way people interact with food. The jacket potato guy and the Spud Bros are just two examples of how everyday people with unique ideas can gain massive followings. But beyond that, TikTok has also influenced food trends, restaurant menus, and even grocery shopping habits.
What Role Do Short Videos Play in Food Marketing?
Short, engaging videos have become a powerful tool for marketing. Unlike long-form content that requires time and attention, TikTok videos are quick, visual, and easy to digest. They allow businesses to showcase their products in a fun, relatable way, and that’s exactly what Ben and the Spud Bros have done. Their videos aren’t just about selling food – they’re about creating a connection with their audience.
Are More Food Vendors Turning to TikTok?
Definitely. Many small businesses have started using TikTok as a way to reach new customers. The platform gives them a chance to stand out without needing a big budget or professional production. All you really need is a good idea, a camera, and a bit of personality. That’s why we’re seeing more and more food vendors jumping on the trend – and why the jacket potato guy has become such a big name in the space.
What’s Next for the Jacket Potato Guy?
As of now, Ben Newman shows no signs of slowing down. His business continues to thrive, and his online presence keeps growing. He’s expanded beyond his Tamworth pitch, making appearances at events like the Suffolk Show, where he sold thousands of potatoes in just two days. Fans are already speculating about what’s next – could there be a cookbook in the works? Or maybe even a TV show?
Will the Spud Bros Expand Their Business?
Jacob and Harley are definitely thinking big. They’ve already gained a loyal following through their TikTok content, and their tram business has become a local favorite. There’s talk of possibly expanding to new locations or even opening a permanent spot. Their creativity and humor have set them apart, and it’s clear they’re just getting started.
Could Jacket Potatoes Become a Global Trend?
With the jacket potato guy and the Spud Bros leading the charge, it’s not hard to imagine jacket potatoes gaining even more popularity worldwide. They’re versatile, affordable, and delicious – everything a great food trend should be. And as more people discover the joys of a well-baked spud, it’s possible that we could see more businesses and influencers jumping on board.
Where Can You Find the Jacket Potato Guy?
Ben Newman’s trailer is based in St Editha’s Square in Tamworth, a town with a rich history as the former capital of the Kingdom of Mercia. It’s a small space, but it’s packed with flavor and personality. For those who can’t make it in person, his TikTok page is the next best thing. There, you’ll find videos of him baking, chatting with customers, and occasionally doing live demonstrations of his spud-making process.
What About the Spud Bros' Location?
Jacob and Harley Nelson operate from an old tram carriage at Preston Flag Market. Their setup is eye-catching and unique, making it a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Like Ben, they share plenty of content on TikTok, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their daily operations and the fun they have along the way.
Are There Other Jacket Potato Spots Worth Trying?
If you're in London or Liverpool and craving a jacket potato after watching the jacket potato guy, there are plenty of other great spots to try. From traditional toppings to gourmet twists, the world of jacket potatoes is more diverse than ever. Whether you prefer yours with butter and beans or something a bit more adventurous, there’s a spud out there for everyone.
What Can We Learn from the Jacket Potato Guy’s Success?
For starters, you don’t need a fancy restaurant or a complicated menu to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a great product and a genuine connection with your audience. Ben Newman’s rise to fame shows that passion and personality can go a long way, especially in the age of social media. His success is a reminder that authenticity resonates – and that people are always looking for something real.
Conclusion: The Rise of the Jacket Potato Guy
Ben Newman, the jacket potato guy, and Jacob and Harley Nelson, the Spud Bros, have taken the world of food content by storm. With their unique setups, engaging personalities, and love for all things spud-related, they’ve captured the attention of millions. Whether you're a longtime fan of jacket potatoes or just discovering them through TikTok, there’s no denying that these guys have brought a new level of excitement to a simple, beloved dish.
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