**Popular Burger Van Owner and Fiancée Set to Launch New Gorseinon Restaurant**
A well-loved Swansea burger van entrepreneur is preparing to embark on a bold new venture with his fiancée. Phil Fraser, the culinary brains behind ‘Food Anarchy’, has captivated food enthusiasts across several locations including Dunvant, Gorseinon, Marina Market and Mumbles Market with his flavour-packed gourmet burgers, loaded hash browns and inventive fries. Now, a new chapter awaits as he teams up with his partner, Katie Powlson, in launching their first restaurant together.
Katie is no stranger to the local food scene herself. Through her business, Happy Little Cake Company, she’s become a staple at regional markets thanks to her enticing array of cakes, bakes and sweet temptations. The partnership will see the pair merge their expertise, giving birth to ‘Fully Loaded’, a restaurant set to serve both savoury and sweet palates in equal measure.
Set on Gorseinon High Street, ‘Fully Loaded’ will officially welcome its first customers on Wednesday, 30th July. The restaurant will operate from Wednesday to Saturday, between 9:30am and 2:30pm, giving daytime diners the chance to sample what has previously only been available via their food vans and stalls. The menu will feature loaded hash browns, fully garnished fries, generously stuffed ‘sandos’ (a contemporary take on sandwiches), alongside Katie’s signature cakes and bakes. Coffee, too, will add another string to their bow.
Reflecting on the decision, Phil said: “This is very much a collaborative effort between both our businesses. Owning a property has been something we’ve mulled over for a while, and this opportunity arose through a helpful tip at the market. After seeing the space, it all felt right and we decided to bring it to life.” He added that the positive reception to their food van, particularly on Friday nights in Gorseinon, played a crucial role in choosing the location for their first restaurant.
The transition into a bricks-and-mortar premises also means some changes in their offering. “We’re switching it up a bit for the day-time crowd,” Phil explains. “Rather than our classic burgers, we’re focusing on sandos for lunch – think bold, unapologetic flavours inspired by our most popular creations. On top of that, there’ll be a tempting line-up of brownies, blondies, tarts and, if all goes to plan, fresh cinnamon rolls daily.” This balance between hearty, comfort food and sweet treats is aimed at creating an inclusive, inviting atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Both Phil and Katie are keen to distinguish their venue from the typical café experience. “The idea is to offer something unpretentious but exciting, with memorable food and top-notch coffee in a relaxed setting. We don’t want to be pigeonholed as just another café – Fully Loaded is about quality, creativity and fun,” Phil said.
While the doors to the new restaurant prepare to open, the couple are adamant that their loyal food van customers will not be left in the lurch. “We’re not stepping away from the markets and pop-up locations,” Phil assured. “The van will still trade at all the usual spots – Tuesday evenings in Dunvant when in season, Fridays at Toasted, and Sundays at the markets. The shop just gives us a hub and a foundation from which to grow”.
The journey from market stalls and food vans to a permanent restaurant is a familiar one in the UK’s independent food scene, and often signals significant growth for small business owners. However, Phil remains philosophical about the risks and rewards. “You can have the best plan in the world, but there’s always a chance it won’t work. Still, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. We’re grateful for the support we’ve had and are excited to take this step together.”
Ultimately, Fully Loaded is not just another eatery opening its doors, but the product of two thriving independent businesses joining forces. For the food-loving community of Gorseinon, this new addition promises to become a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat with coffee – all with a dose of local spirit and a dash of culinary innovation.