An expanded stall inside Darlington's Indoor Market has been proving popular for its loaded jacket potatoes and sugary sweet drinks.
Serra Mucmata, originally from Queens in New York, became a quick hit with customers when she opened drinks van The Pearlfect Sip, on November 8.
But her two month pop up has now progressed to become a permanent addition to the market, in a larger stall named 'The Pearlfect Crave' - and she's now serving up a diverse range of loaded jacket potatoes.
From classic beans and cheese to BBQ pulled chicken and mac and cheese toppings, the New York native is hoping her grub can impress marketgoers.
The 23-year-old told The Echo: "In the van, we were just testing out the market for two months to see what it was like and we decided that we wanted to do something new.
"I was a computer specialist, I had never worked in the food industry. Then, a few customers suggested I start doing food.
"So I thought about it and then realised I crave jacket potatoes all the time. There are so many options and toppings."
Serra’s journey into the food industry began back in the US, after her family came across the concept of a dessert latte while holidaying in the Philippines.
They then brought it back to their shops Missree Chai and catering business Bobabaarbaar in New Jersey – and it took off from there.
And while jacket potatoes may not be a hit in the states, it was social media that drew Serra to the British staple.
She said: "Jacket potatoes aren't really a thing in the United States, so it was TikTok that introduced it to me.
"Loads of people do different things and I was really keen to find out how it's done, but I wanted to do something traditional rather than in the microwave.
"The potatoes are also locally sourced, from Robin Blair's in the market."
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As for what comes next for Serra, she's hoping her new location and expanded menu can keep drawing customers in and grow the 'crave' brand further in the future.
Serra said: "The community has pushed me to expand the business and it has been really good so far. People did say that January will be slow, business wise, but customers have been recommending us to others.
"I want to make Crave a brand and just keep introducing something new to the market."
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