Potato Hut’s rise from a single outlet to an internationally recognised food brand has been shaped by a simple but powerful philosophy: take something familiar and make it exceptional. Their win in the 2025 Retail Industry Awards as Newcomer Retailer of the Year highlights the company’s ability to stand out in an increasingly competitive sector, delivering quality, creativity, and a memorable customer experience.

With roots dating back to 2007, Potato Hut has expanded across multiple regions while staying true to its mission of elevating the humble baked potato. Their focus on consistency, fresh ingredients, and convenient service has resonated strongly with customers in the UK and abroad. At the centre of this journey is Habib Alobeidli, whose decades of industry experience have guided the brand’s growth and strengthened its reputation for authentic, value-led food retail.

An Introduction to Potato Hut

Potato Hut’s approach to modern comfort food is grounded in simplicity done well. Each kiosk is designed to provide quick and accessible service without compromising on flavour or quality. Their expanding presence in the UK market reflects both global brand consistency and a tailored understanding of local preferences. This balance has helped the business connect with new communities and build a growing base of loyal customers.

Innovation sits at the heart of the company’s operations, whether through evolving menu concepts, sustainable approaches, or refined service models that keep the Potato Hut experience feeling contemporary and appetising. This commitment, paired with strong brand values and an emphasis on customer satisfaction, played a key role in their recognition as Newcomer Retailer of the Year.

In Conversation with Habib Alobeidli

Following the award win, we spoke with Director Habib Alobeidli to learn more about Potato Hut’s journey, challenges, and future ambitions.

Brief overview of your business & what you do within the company

Potato Hut is a fast-growing food business specialising in premium jacket potatoes and creative street-food style comfort dishes. Established in 2007, we began as a single outlet in Dubai and have since expanded across the Middle East, India, Europe, and beyond. Our journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to spreading the joy of healthy baked potatoes around the world.

We combine fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and generous portions to create an unforgettable experience for our customers. Whether at events, markets, or through takeaway and delivery, we focus on high-quality food, exceptional customer service, and a friendly, welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back. Our UK platform has been a major strength in recent years, helping us bring our brand to a new audience and build strong customer loyalty.

As the director of Potato Hut with 45 years of experience in the field, I oversee strategic and operational development from shaping our brand vision and driving growth, to managing operations, suppliers, and customer experience. My role is to ensure we maintain consistent quality, innovate through regular menu updates, and build strong customer relationships. I guide the team, lead decision-making, and explore new opportunities to scale the business through new locations and event platforms, bringing the Potato Hut brand to a wider global audience.

What would you attribute as the main reason for your success?

Our success stems from a combination of strong entrepreneurial experience, a clear long-term vision, and unwavering dedication to quality. We continuously improve and update our menu to stay fresh and exciting, and we listen closely to our customers. Their feedback shapes our growth. We take pride in providing excellent service, a friendly environment, and focusing on customer satisfaction above all else, which has allowed us to build a strong and loyal customer base.

Drawing on years of business development experience, we combine practical expertise with creative thinking, enabling us to lead Potato Hut forward with confidence and ambition.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome?

One of the biggest challenges since founding Potato Hut has been securing strong commercial locations, which are essential to the success of any food business. The right location directly impacts customer visibility, accessibility, and growth potential, making it a crucial factor in our expansion strategy. Balancing expansion logistics while managing fluctuating costs, building supply chains, and navigating highly competitive property markets has demanded adaptability, resilience, and hands-on leadership.

What do you think made you stand out as a winner (or worthy of recognition)?

Potato Hut stands out because we turned a simple, humble concept into a respected, quality driven food brand with international presence. Our commitment to consistency, innovation, and customer care is at the core of everything we do. We focus on delivering great taste, excellent service, and a warm environment whether through dine-in, takeaway, delivery, or events.

If recognised by an award, I believe it is because of our dedication to quality, our strong and loyal customer base, and our ambition to keep growing, contributing to local communities, and creating opportunities for others.

What is the next big step for you?

Our next major milestone is expanding Potato Hut’s footprint through additional branches, scaling up our catering and event services, and strengthening our presence nationally and internationally. We plan to continue refining operations, expanding our team, and creating more job and business opportunities for others. We are committed to building a model that enables people to start a healthy, profitable business through affordable entry and long-term support.

Through determination, strategic planning, and innovative thinking, we have built a stable foundation for sustainable growth. Alongside this, we are committed to creating opportunities for others. We developed a unique programme called “Be Your Own Boss”, designed for graduates and individuals who aspire to start their own business or franchise with minimal capital investment. The programme provides full support, proven operational systems, and a business model that guarantees a fast return on investment, giving people a healthier and more secure pathway into entrepreneurship.

Would you recommend Business Awards UK to other businesses? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely. Business Awards UK offers excellent visibility, credibility, and recognition that can empower businesses, particularly small and growing ones, to build customer trust, motivate teams, and unlock new opportunities. The platform is well-structured, supportive, and celebrates genuine achievement within the business community.

Looking Ahead

Potato Hut’s achievement as Newcomer Retailer of the Year reflects the strength of its concept and the consistency behind its execution. Their blend of accessible service, flavour-focused innovation, and thoughtful brand development has already carved out a distinct space in the retail food landscape. As the business continues to scale from new outlets to expanded event offerings and entrepreneurial pathways, its future impact looks promising.

Habib Alobeidli’s long-standing industry experience and commitment to cultivating opportunity, both within the business and for aspiring entrepreneurs, signals a next chapter defined by growth and community contribution. It is a story that demonstrates how a well-crafted idea, driven by passion and discipline, can become a standout presence in a crowded market.