Three friends who studied together at the University of Leeds are preparing to open a brand new takeaway serving vegan food in Hyde Park.
Lucas Leal Abadi, Dom Wood and Shaz Osborne - all 21 - met during their first week studying in Leeds three years ago and have remained close friends ever since.
The trio originally set up Friends of Jam while studying, selling homemade conserves at local festivals, but they have now secured their first permanent unit in the heart of the student neighbourhood.
Lucas told LeedsLive: "In the last two years we've found ourselves getting a little bit bored and thought to ourselves: 'How can we start up a business for ourselves?'
"Then Shaz and Dave said they were thinking of starting a vegan burger place in Hyde Park."
The bold move will see them open Friends of Food in September, with a range of interesting plant-based burgers on offer.
High on the list of specials will be a cauliflower burger with kimchi, wasabi mayo and mango chutney, but foodie fans might also want to try the hot seitan burger or even an onion bhaji burger.
"We chose Hyde Park because we have lived in the area for a number of years and we love it," said Lucas.
"It's a great student area and it's on the main route to Leeds.
"We are all vegan and really believe in cutting down on meat. We saw a gap in the market that's grown so much in the last few years.
"Running a business is new for all of us, but we believe in ourselves and we believe in each other. We've come quite far already."
Friends of Food are looking to raise £6,000 towards the costs of setting up the business through Kickstarter. You can back the campaign here by donating as little as £10, which will get you a burger, chips and a drink.
The new takeaway will open in September at 12 Hyde Park Corner, where Panda Express used to be based.
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