"I want to bring pride and community spirit to Portsmouth": Entrepreneur "inspired" by SpudBros prepares to open city franchise this month
The countdown is on as a local entrepreneur, “inspired” by TikTok sensation SpudBros, gears up to launch the south’s first express franchise.
Sunny Bassi is gearing up to open a SpudBros Express venue, adding Portsmouth to the brand’s growing list of locations including London, Liverpool, Sheffield, Blackburn and Wakefield.
The entrepreneur is an experienced multi-unit operator with a track record of leading food and beverage brands, including Black Sheep Coffee, where he was named Black Sheep Coffee Franchisee of the Year 2025.
Sunny 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 demand for jobs at SpudBros Express Portsmouth has been overwhelming, with a recent local recruitment post attracting 1,154 applications in a mere 24 hours.
The reaction highlights the appetite for local employment, as well as the continuing growth of the brand which establishes SpudBros Express franchises by employing local people.
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.”
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.
Despite controversy surrounding the launch of the new site given its close proximity to another jacket potato business, Harley and Jacob have continued to promote the message - “there is room for everyone” - on their social media pages.
In anticipation of the SpudBros Express opening, the brothers will also be visiting Spudlickers in Leigh Park on January 26, where 100 free spuds will be dished out.
The new Portsmouth store will be open from 12noon until 8pm with a further 100 free jacket potatoes being given out by Harley, Jacob and the team.