Popular Sutton Coldfield takeaway serving town for 40 years moving to new spot

A landmark eatery in Sutton Coldfield is moving to its eighth spot at a shopping centre as it looks to mark 50 years at the venue. The much-loved Ted’s Potatoes which has been at the Gracechurch Centre for more than 40 years – since 1980 – is preparing for its latest move from the unit it has called home for 11 years.

Ted Hawthorne started his baked potato business when the shopping venue was in its fledgling years, with a hot potato stand and oven outside WH Smith’s. And now 44 years on the hot spud merchant, now run by Ted’s sons Justin and his brother, Nick, is going ‘almost full circle’ into a former mobile phone repair/accessories seller’s old unit, facing Bishops Court at the heart of the venue.

Ted had a stall in Bishops Court when he started and has been at the end where Costa sits and what is now Vision Express ‘against a wall’, in a spur off that central square. He has had a more formal wooden cabin close to Bodycare, before moving to the current site some 11 years ago, which has indoor seating, for the first time.

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But now it’s back to where it all started, to Bishops Court again, and in a matter of weeks. Justin Hawthorne has taken to Facebook and posted an update on the move. He said: “Just a quick update on TEDS, and our future in the Gracechurch Centre.

“As I’m sure you are aware the centre was sold last year. The new owners are embarking on a huge renovation over the next few years that will see the Gracechurch be transformed.

“The area we are currently in is earmarked for redevelopment over the next few years. Our lease was up so we entered into discussions to find a new home for us where we can continue our 45-year association with you and Sutton Coldfield, that we have absolutely loved being a part of.”

He continued: “For many reasons, financially and positionally the unit next to Boots under the big top was the only place we felt suited us. Not only will we be returning to almost the same spot my dad Ted started in all those years back in 1980, but it is right in the heart of the town and the area is fully under cover all year round.

“Obviously, we will be losing our indoor seating. However, we will be having tables and chairs right in front of the new shop for you all to use. And our delivery service will remain using our partners. We are looking to move midway through July. Any further update I will share here.

“Finally from us all, I’d like to thank all of you, our loyal customers/friends for your support and custom over the last 11 years in our current home. It has been one of the most challenging we have ever faced in all of our years in Sutton, with retail on its knees and Covid. We look forward to welcoming you all to NEW TEDS soon…..”

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BirminghamLive spoke to Justin on the move, which he hopes will see Ted’s remain at the Gracechurch up to 50 years and for ‘many years beyond’. The 48-year-old said: “We have almost come full circle. I reckon we are about 10 metres from where we have started. This will be our eighth permanent move in the centre. I think there’s only Smith’s, Clarks and maybe Boots that have been their longer.

“When we decided to move into the shop where we are now, Argos was there. But that’s gone. The new unit by Boots was the best of what’s available with other units being much bigger shops. We are looking at being here when we reach 50 years and beyond."

He continued: “The new owners here have been absolutely fantastic. They are the best owners probably I have ever seen in Sutton Coldfield.

“Birmingham Property Group have been great. Lovely to deal with. They know we have been in Sutton a long time.

“It would have been such a shame to do things as long as we have and then leave. These guys have come in and they can see what it used to be. Thriving businesses. A great place to shop.

“My dad is 83 now and still involved and he’s over the moon. The business didn’t have a name and then 20-odd years ago we called it Ted’s Baked Potatoes. People say ‘you want a Ted’s?’.” And long may that continue….