When a Fermanagh couple had a bite of chips from the local chippy that tasted just like a bag of ready salted crisps, it sparked a eureka moment for them.

After tasting the chips, Alexandra Wilkins and her partner Chris Stapleton began developing a collection of crisp-style seasonings.

Mr. Stapleton said: “We immediately began to work on creating crisp-style seasoning which can be sprinkled over fries, waffle fries and loaded fries.

“We now have everything from salt and vinegar and cheese and onion to roast chicken and beef and onion. The flavourings are really accurate and have been a huge hit with our customers.

(Image: Jago Communications)

“The only flavour we have struggled with for some reason is prawn cocktail, but we are really pleased with all the others.”

The couple went on to launch their food truck, the Crisp Shack.

The seasoned fries have been a big hit with customers and the burgers they sell, too, have a nod to crisp flavours.

The venture has allowed them to spend much more time with their children and move back to their hometown Enniskillen.

Mr. Stapleton said: “Both Alexandra and I had worked in hospitality for years and for too long we had been like ships passing in the night.

(Image: Jago Communications)

“We have two children, Darcey (5) and James (2) and when our youngest came along we wanted to move back to Enniskillen from where we were living in Belfast.

“The food truck has transformed our lives. We can take the kids to school and nursery and spend so much more time with them, which we love.”

Patrons are equally satisfied.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “This fantastic street food business is relatively new but it’s already punching well above its weight.

“The service from the friendly staff and the attention to detail in the preparation, delivery and presentation of my order was absolutely outstanding.

“This business is truly special and when you see how busy and popular this concept has become it is truly a must-visit location.”

Mr. Stapleton said it is not uncommon for them to have 45-minute waiting times due to the number of people at the truck.

The couple plan to open a permanent restaurant and franchises in the future.

Mr. Stapleton said: “We are sited in Gaol Square in Enniskillen. We don’t move around as we want people to know where we are.

“In the future we have plans to expand into a bricks and mortar restaurant and potentially open franchises, but for now the food truck is working very well."

The Crisp Shack operation was launched with support from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

In addition to finance, successful applicants also receive 12 months of free mentoring and access to business resources.

All owners or partners in a business can individually apply for up to £25,000 each, with a maximum of £100,000 available per business.