TikTok craze not behind Macclesfield's new jacket potato shop, say owners
A jacket potato store has enjoyed a red-hot start to life
The Spud Lounge on is the latest venture of Nikolay Iliev, Irinel Arbanas, and Hristina Naydenova – perhaps best known as the team behind Tres Burritos.
However, contrary to what you may have expected, it wasn't the baked potato's new-found social media fame that inspired them to open the business on Chestergate.
"It was our driver, Peter Davies, who first mentioned it," said Nikolay
"We are always talking about trying new things and we just thought it was such a good idea.
"Peter mentioned it on the Thursday and by Friday we were looking for a shop!"
He added: "I only found out about Spud Man and SpudBros after we opened.
"Everyone thinks that was where we got the idea but it was actually Peter."
None of Nikolay, Irinel or Hristina had any experience of running a restaurant prior to opening Tres Burritos.
It was a family trip to London that gave them the idea.
Former hairdresser Nikolay said: "We went to a burrito place and I just really liked how happy and chatty everyone was, it reminded me of the salon.
"Then I found out that Irinel had previously worked as a chef at a Mexican restaurant!"
Tres Burittos opened on Mill Street in August 2023 and it's fair to say it wasn't the easiest start to life.
Nikolay said: "The first shop was a mess!
"Within a week we realised the kitchen layout was wrong and we had to start again from scratch."
The trio's second business, The Spud Lounge, began welcoming customers ahead of the May Treacle Market, taking over the unit previously home to UTEA.
"It's been a lot easier this time round," Nikolay continued.
"With two years' experience under our belts, we are much more confident now.
"We have been open just over a week and already have a few regulars, which makes us so happy."
A classic spud with butter starts at £4.20, with various toppings available including chilli con carne, pulled pork and chicken tikka.
Nikolay and co are hoping their two venues can bring 'something different' to the Macclesfield food scene.
He said: "That was important to us. With Macclesfield having so much already, we didn't want to step on anyone's toes.
"We wanted to open something that isn't competing. We have such a nice community here, we all help each other out.
"It's nice to add something different."
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