Popular tattooist launches new city takeaway venture
HOUSE OF PANINI HAS CHARITABLE GOAL
A POPULAR Hull tattooist who has been forced to hang up his needles for lockdown has launched a very different project.
Troy Eyaad, a former bouncer who is a familiar face to many in the city, runs House of Ink tattoo studio in Prospect Street, but there have been some changes to the mini-market he runs next door.
Having launched Prospect 82 on the week lockdown was announced in March, Mr Eyaad has battled through the coronavirus pandemic and has come up with a business venture which launched last week.
While his tattoo studio stands empty, he is now pouring his efforts into House of Panini, a takeaway lunch vendor located within the other half of his shop.
Troy hit the headlines for his generosity during the first lockdown when he supplied hundreds of “You Are Not Alone” boxes, made up of everyday essentials, to some of the city’s most in need.
The hard work of Troy and his team of volunteers earned him a Pride of Britain award.
Now, with the third lockdown ongoing, he has turned his attention to supporting those people again, with 10 per cent of all money made from his new panini business going into his boxes.
Having seen Lockdown 3 coming, the tattooist said he decided to get ahead of the curve this time around.
“I’ve had difficulties year from tattooing during last the pandemic as we’ve been open and then shut and then open again,” he said.
“I had a feeling they would shut us down after Christmas, so I started building the kitchen.
“I used to work in the food business before the tattooing business, so that is one of the reasons I decided to split it.
“I have literally divided it in half. The shop is still open, but I’ve added a restaurant and opened up a kitchen at the back.”
The takeaway service opened in the mini-market last week and Troy says “deliveries are picking up”, with proceeds going to support some of Hull’s elderly and vulnerable population.
“It also helps me with my You Are Not Alone boxes. I’m putting 10 per cent of the sales towards the boxes,” he said.
“Since lockdown, the quiet, but deliveries are up.
“We’ve been doing paninis, burgers, cold and hot sandwiches and salad trays for those wanting to stay healthy.”
House of Panini, inside Prospect 82, is open on Mondays through to Saturdays. shop is picking