A POPULAR baked potato shop will host its grand opening next week.

The Spud Man will officially open its new shop on Market Square this Monday after leaving the Riverside Shopping Centre after 33 years.

The Mayor of Evesham, Alan Booth, will open the new shop at 10.30am, and The Spud Man is inviting everyone along for the occasion.

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Tom Bowen took over the business from his father Mick Bowen - who does still help his son in the shop - a few years ago, and both are thrilled to greet everyone in the new venue. 

The Bowens are updating the old Gateway Tearooms, a grade II listed building in Market Place.

When it opens on Monday, it will be under its new name the Ye Olde Baked Potato Shoppe.

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The 33-year-old business owner said: "We’re thrilled to announce that The Mayor of Evesham will be visiting us on Monday at 10.30am to officially open our new premises in Market Place!

"Come along and say hello if you can!

"Same great food with some new additions too - take away jacket potatoes, hot roast pork baps, bacon and sausage baps, a selection of baguettes, soft scoop ice cream, cakes and hot drinks.

"We will continue to operate as a takeaway, with some outdoor seating for our customers."

The business was set up by Mick Bowen in 1989, and he said he is proud to be still seeing his original customers and their children and grandchildren.

And soon, Mr Bowen hopes his grandchildren will want to get involved in the family business.

Mr Bowen, 61, added: “Here’s to the next 33 years.

“Dexter, my two-year-old grandson, has his ‘New Potato’ apron ironed and ready to go!”

The Spud Man will be open from Monday through to Saturday between 9am and 4pm.

The current venue at Riverside Shopping Centre will continue trading until the new shop opens.