It’s not every day that people willingly queue for hours for a jacket potato, but Ben Newman, the 39-year-old father-of-nine known as Spud Man, has turned his humble van into a sensation.
Spud Man’s Pink-Mohawked Journey: A Heartfelt Twist to Culinary Stardom
Ben Newman, instantly recognizable with his trademark pink mohawk, reveals the heartfelt reason behind his rock star look—he got the punk hairstyle to raise money for kidney research. Now a culinary sensation, Spud Man’s business exploded after he started uploading videos on TikTok, turning him into a local celebrity in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Jacket Potato King: A Spud Revolution Taking the Internet by Storm
Spud Man, also known as Ben Newman, has become a culinary sensation, selling up to 1,500 potatoes a day priced between £4 and £5 from his cream-colored trailer. His videos, showcasing daily life as a jacket potato vendor, have gained immense popularity on TikTok, amassing 2.6 million followers and 41.6 million likes. The unexpected success has transformed him into a millennial craze and a local tourist attraction.
Global Fandom and Unlikely Adventures: From Hawaii to Malaysia
Fans from around the world, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, have flocked to Spud Man’s humble jacket potato van. The most surreal moment involved a couple from Malaysia who traveled solely to see him. Spud Man’s newfound fame has connected him with people globally, creating an unexpected yet incredible journey for the father-of-nine.
Spud Man’s Humble Beginnings: A Local Business Making Waves
Ben Newman, having started his business at 18, has been at the same location for more than 20 years, selling jacket potatoes at his trailer. While his fame has led to the creation of Spud Man merchandise, including keyrings and clothing, he remains committed to his trailer and aims to showcase a positive side of living with kidney failure.
From Viral Videos to Positive Messages: Spud Man’s Impact on Kidney Research
Despite facing health challenges and being on dialysis for life, Spud Man continues to spread positivity. Last weekend, he raised over £11,000 for Kidney Research UK by giving away 2,200 free jacket potatoes. Through his journey, he aims to show a positive side to dialysis patients, proving that one can lead a normal life even while facing health challenges.
Spud Man’s Legacy: Putting Tamworth on the Map and Promoting Local Businesses
Spud Man’s unexpected fame has not only turned him into a local celebrity but also put Tamworth on the map. His success has become a source of pride for the town, promoting local businesses and drawing attention to the power of authenticity and hard work.