A STREET food business owner in Cwmbran is looking to help encourage independent businesses to move in to Cwmbran after a bumper opening.

Logi-Fin’s Street Food opened in Cwmbran Market Village in December.

Owner Richard Cooke had no background in the catering industry but saw space for an independent street food business in Torfaen.

“It’s about encouraging that street food scene in Cwmbran,” he said.

“People want to see the independent traders back.

“It’s trying to make Cwmbran a bit more current.

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Richard Cooke, owner of Logi-Fin's Street Food. Picture: Josh Thomas.

“Newport is doing really well with it - there are a lot of unique independent traders there – not just big chains.

“There’s that up and coming scene in Newport, so I thought it could also work in Cwmbran.

“Everything else is in place around here but no-one has taken that opportunity.”

The business opened in December, and Mr Cooke said that he has been blown away by the support he has received from his customers and fellow traders in the market. He has also recently linked up with Beth Sims, owner of Newport cake shop Beth’s Bakes.

He said: “I have been blown away by the feedback. It’s been amazing.

“You get local people from Cwmbran who come in here regularly and have a chat.

“It’s that side where independent traders excel. It’s nice to spend time with the customers.

“It’s been like a little family here in the Market. Everyone helps each other out and we are all recommending each other to our customers.

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Richard Cooke, owner of Logi-Fin's Street Food serving food to customer Jasmine Manley. Picture: Josh Thomas.

“You need to have that one thing that makes your business different.

“I try to offer people food which is different to what they normally would eat.

“The main one is the beef brisket. It’s smoked for 24 hours. A lot of my customers say that they had come here specially to try it. It’s what makes me unique.

“All the food I use is locally sourced.”

Mr Cooke explained that family is at the heart of the business.

“I’m building something for my kids,” he said.

“I’ve got two boys, Logan and Finley. That’s how the name Logi-Fin’s came about.

“They love it. They are here all the time – on the till or restocking the shelves.

“The other side of it is showing them that it can be done. Its tough out there as a single dad, so that is where the passion for this comes from.”

Mr Cooke said that he hoped to build the business up over the coming months, with the hope of taking his food out to food festivals and events over the summer.