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SEB PENIKET OPENED HIS STREET FOOD BUSINESS EARLIER THIS YEAR AND SPOKE TO BIRMINGHAMLIVE ABOUT COSTS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY 04:50, 31 Dec 2024 A Birmingham street food vendor defended the cost
of industry prices and argued that quality comes first. After listening to customer feedback, the vendor has reduced their own prices but stated that 'everything is going up'. The
German Market is a recent example of questionable street food prices in Birmingham. With the cost of a bratwurst increasing year after year, one sweet treat is priced at £52. After opening
for business in May, Seb Peniket runs The Fried Chicken Club in areas across Sutton Coldfield and beyond. After working as kitchen manager at the now-closed Old School House pub, Seb
recently worked at the Belfry Hotel, serving guests including former England manager Gareth Southgate. READ MORE: THE £52 STREET FOOD ITEM AT THE BIRMINGHAM GERMAN MARKET Keeping the menu
short and simple, The Fried Chicken Club serves chicken breast burgers, strips and fries with rotating specials including jerk chicken and katsu sauce. Speaking to BirminghamLive, Seb spoke
about the current cost of street food and defended the industry prices. He said: “People enjoy street food more because they know it’s fresher. It’s going to taste a lot better than going to
a pub and paying £15 for frozen fish and chips which are pinged into a microwave. Article continues below “People don’t get that it involves a lot of work. A 5kg box of chicken is £27.50,
it was £24 when I started in May. You have to consider travelling and paying for your pitch. That’s why prices are higher, you have to budget for everything else. “But the way I see it,
everything is going up. I try and put myself in the customer's shoes but I can’t reduce too much because then I’m not profiting. “I always push that everything is made fresh to order.
It’s not like KFC where there are racks of chicken sitting there. “I’ve already lowered my prices but I don’t stress too much, it’s down to if people want to eat good food. If they don’t
want to pay £12 for fresh chicken and would rather save £3 on frozen and overprocessed items then fair enough. “I can’t lower my prices to a fast food level because I’m not producing fast
food quality. You’re never going to please everyone.” Inspired by street food favourites Only Jerkin and Greidy's, The Fried Chicken Club can be found at Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club or
Bar 28 depending on the week. At the start of his street food career, Seb hopes to open a retro-themed restaurant in Birmingham but is taking it slow. Article continues below Speaking about
Birmingham's street food, Seb added: “Outside of London, I’d put Birmingham best in the country for street food. Even the food in general, the variety is really good. “There’s always
something opening every month in Birmingham. This is where I see myself setting up shop. I’ve looked in Sutton Coldfield but the rent is through the roof. "I want to branch out and
expand, but this is baby steps. I need to take it slowly instead of pushing and ending up in a mess. I’d rather be comfortable with what I’m doing now and push it step by step."