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Teens who converted trailer into pizzeria now making tons of dough

'We were inspired during the lockdown as we had so much free time, we turned that free time into productivity, got our heads down and made this our focus.'

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From Left: Ben Lyth, Jamie Morrall and Jacques Barker all aged 19. (Tristan Potter via SWNS)

By Bradley Stokes via SWNS

Four teenage pals who converted a horse trailer into a trendy mobile pizzeria during lockdown are now rolling in dough running a five-figure business. 

Ben Lyth, Jamie Morrall and twins Beni and Jacques Barker, all 19, decided to start their own business using their savings to stave off lockdown boredom in the Solihull, England. 

The four best friends are now enjoying a slice of success running Dirty Donkey Ltd and are on course to turn over a five-figure sum within their first year of trading.  

Ben Lyth, Jamie Morrall and twins Beni and Jacques Barker, all 19. (Dirty Donkey Ltd via SWNS)

"In terms of overall revenue, so far, we are nearing five-figures, so it’s going really well so far,” said Beni, who’s currently studying business at the University of Edinburgh, but aspires to become an actor.

The young entrepreneurs purchased the horse trailer for $2,752 before spending another $2k and four months stripping the rotting old trailer and equipping it with running water, lights, electrics and two small portable pizza ovens.

It was also fitted with a wooden framework and given a slick new paint job during the DIY project to transform it into a roadworthy street food outlet.  

The teenage pals converting the horse trailer. (Dirty Donkey Ltd via SWNS)
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The friends met at school and always dreamed of setting up their own business together. 

 "We found it hard during lockdown, shut away not being able to get out,” said Ben, who also works as a bartender. 

“We were inspired during the lockdown as we had so much free time, we turned that free time into productivity, got our heads down and made this our focus.”

A group of business-savvy best friends from Solihull launched their own food business called Dirty Donkey Ltd, after converting an old horse trailer into a mobile pizzeria to keep themselves busy during the pandemic lockdowns. (Tristan Potter via SWNS)

He added: "Finding something that we loved and having a focus really helped us and running your own business at 19 with your best friends is a pretty cool thing to do.

“We wanted something with a bit of an alliteration and something to catch people’s attention, so the name Dirty Donkey was born.”

Beni said he realized they were on to something special after a family and friends taste event at his house in June of this year. 

“It was really great to finally show everyone what we had been working hard on for three to four months,” he said.  

“Everyone seemed to love the pizza so that was a great start. We now offer a wide range of pizzas from gluten-free to vegan and vegetarian." 

A group of business-savvy best friends from Solihull launched their own food business called Dirty Donkey Ltd, after converting an old horse trailer into a mobile pizzeria to keep themselves busy during the pandemic lockdowns.(Tristan Porter via SWNS)

Jacques added: “We have been supported the entire way and friends and family have been very helpful in offering us advice." 

The business-savvy lads now travel around visiting festivals and carnivals, as well as their local cricket club, selling pizzas for about $12 each.  

“We’ve already catered for a wedding this week,” said Ben 

“This week is our busiest week with five events in four days.”

The group has plans to expand their business in the future. 

From Left: Jamie Morrall, Jacques Barker and Ben Lyth all aged 19. (Tristan Porter via SWNS)

“We don’t just have plans for pizza,” said Jamie who is studying Film and Media at the University of Nottingham.

"We want to be able to convert other trailers to be able to cope with an increase in demand – an alcoholic bar could be our next step.  

Jacques added: “This business may potentially run alongside other businesses I may set up in the future. 

“But, for now, we want to be able to do more events – this is our main goal.”  

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