SpudBros controversy rages on with The Spudman announcing city visit to support independent jacket potato businesses

Signage is now up at the new SpudBros franchise - The Portsmouth Express - with an open date confirmed for January 27, sparking controversy amongst locals who plan to boycott the store by prioritising independent jacket potato businesses.

The Commercial Road shop, which will be run by a local entrepreneur, is located a stone’s throw from the Jacket Potato Lady’s trailer which has been a firm fixture in the city since the 90s.

Established in the city in 1990, the spud business, which is now run by Vicky Penford, has said it has been inundated with support from locals since the social media announcement.

Vicky said: “It’s bound to have an impact isn’t it? It’s bound to but it just gives me this funny feeling - I don’t want to let anyone down.

“I feel like I’m letting Karen (the former owner) down by letting that take over but everyone is out to earn a living and good luck to whoever has bought the franchise.”

The Spudman, who has over 1m followers on social media is planning to visit the city this week with pop-up events at Vicky’s trailer and Spud Fusion, owned by Rumen Islam, on Wednesday and Thursday (January 14/15).

On his social media Spudman said: “This person I’ve been friends with for a very long time. I gave them a shout out about four years ago when we were just blowing up, and circumstances have changed for her. Her husband is about to start chemotherapy, she’s got a big franchise opening up opposite her and she’s a little worried about her future.

“We want to go downand we want to show her some absolute mega support. We are going down to Portsmouth. We are going to see the Potato Lady.

“Portsmouth we’re coming.”

SpudBros, which is run by brothers Jacob and Harley Nelson, took to social media earlier this month, saying: “SpudBros Express is coming to Portsmouth.

“This one’s special. The Portsmouth Express is owned by a local entrepreneur from the city who loved what we built in Preston and wanted to bring that same energy back home.

“The goal? To give something back to Portsmouth.

“We’re hoping it creates a real buzz, brings more people into the city, and supports the wider food scene too, including other local potato sellers. There’s always a choice, and there’s more than enough room for everyone.”

Since the signage has appeared at the site, there have been mixed reactions with one reader saying: “Imagine going to a franchise for a jacket potato, support local businesses and use the jacket lady instead.”

Anthony Mycroft also wrote: “Boycott. Go to the lady across the road who's been there for years.”

Matt Rose added: “Jacket potato turf wars isn't something I had on my 2026 news bingo card.”

But despite concerns, there has also been a positive response from many who have been following SpudBros since its TikTok debut a few years ago.

Kenny Jones said: “Fair play to them, they were an independent company who grafted and done well.”

Von Windle wrote: “Can’t wait to try the jacket spuds from here.”

Ivayla Zaeva commented: “There is room for everyone. SpudBros hit social media so good and made the most of it.”

Michelle Steen Plomer added: “Healthy competition is good for the consumer.”

Ahead of the grand opening of The Portsmouth Express Jacob and Harley the “Portsmouth family are buzzing to serve all of you” and will be dishing out 100 free spuds on the day.

They added: “We’ll probably be knocking about causing a bit of chaos… might even bump into a few locals.”