The founder of a multi-award winning Cajun street food business is launching his first restaurant in his Wiltshire home town.

Lewis Farquharson already operates LJ Hugs outlets in Bath and Bristol, opening six days a week and specialising in Cajun grilled chicken and beef, wraps and burgers.

He’s taken on the former Davana Thai restaurant and takeaway premises on the corner of Bythesea Road opposite the approach to Trowbridge railway station.

Lewis, 41, said: “We’re hoping to open in about two weeks’ time at the end of October or early November. We’ve totally gutted the premises and revamped it.

“Trowbridge is my home. We have lived here for 12 years. We always wanted to open here so we’re hoping to put our stamp on the town.”

Lewis Farquharson, founder of LJ Hugs, in the new Trowbridge restaurantLewis Farquharson, founder of LJ Hugs, in the new Trowbridge restaurant (Image: Lewis Farquharson)

Grown from modest beginnings 10 years ago, LJ Hugs was launched by Lewis’s desire to find a job that was fun and to create employment for other people.

LJ Hugs – LJ stands for Lord Jesus - now employs more than 18 people, who are all regularly trained on the importance of food safety and hygiene.

The business has grown an army of loyal customers for its pop-up marquee on The Bog Island in Bath city centre.

It also operates a kiosk with outdoor seating at the Cabot Circus shopping centre in Broadmead, Bristol, and a cargo unit at the Lakota Nightclub and Gardens in the St Paul’s area of Bristol.

LJ Hugs' pop-up marquee in Bath city centre has a loyal customer base.LJ Hugs' pop-up marquee in Bath city centre has a loyal customer base. (Image: Lewis Farquharson)

Since Lewis formed LJ Hugs, the company has garnered multiple awards, being five times British Street Food champions. The company was also nominated for Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award.

Lewis plans to transform the first floor of the LJ Hugs restaurant in Trowbridge into a place where unemployed people and those with learning disabilities can learn to cook.

“We plan to upskill them and teach them how to cook, prepare food and the importance of food hygiene,” he said.

“We will be installing laptops for online learning. I am hoping to give something back to the community.”

Lewis Farquharson hopes to open his new Trowbridge restaurant by the end of October.Lewis Farquharson hopes to open his new Trowbridge restaurant by the end of October. (Image: Lewis Farquharson)

Before launching LJ Hugs, Mr Farquharson was a PE teacher and youth worker. He is also a qualified football coach who has worked with the English Football Association and Newport County AFC.

Mr Farquharson also worked on the Million Pound Menu TV programme for Netflix, and recently helped hotelier Alex Polizzi to transform the fortunes of the Riders Rest Café in Wellow, Somerset.