Social media star 'Mr Pewerk' of Rotherham Corner Kitchen surprises hospice staff with food donation
“It all stemmed from having several viral videos - I’m able to keep the show prices as low as possible because we’re able to earn revenue elsewhere”
A shop which went viral making sandwiches has treated staff at Rotherham Hospice to free food as part of a drive to give back to the community.
The Corner Kitchen on Kimberworth Rd went viral after Joz Wootton took it over four years ago and began making videos of himself at work.
He said: “I used to go there as a little boy, my dad used to take me on a Saturday morning, but it had fallen into a little bit of disrepair.
“I saw I could do something with it so I started randomly playing about on TikTok.”
Joz’s videos soon went viral due to his pronunciation of the word ‘pewerk’ - pork - and since then he has gained over one billion views and several celebrity followers.
He said: “Essentially a rundown cafe in Kimberworth has become one of the most recognised sandwich shops in the country.
“I get stopped wherever I go and it’s very strange that people are travelling from all over the country to see myself.
'Mr Pewerk’ - as Joz is dubbed by his fans - has collaborated with other creators and celebrities in his community, and even received a surprise message from Jack Whitehall saying “you are the ‘pewerk’ master”.
But Joz maintains that is still just a normal Rotherham lad who fell into viral stardom by being his authentic self.
“I fell into it all by accident. I’m just me, I speak how I speak and make sandwiches and film them.
He added: “Nothing has changed other than that nearly three quarters of a million people follow me!
Joz delivered the sandwiches to Rotherham Hospice himself, and has previously supported other charities around the area.
He hopes to continue using his shock fame to give back to people in Rotherham by donating food to other businesses who are doing good for the community.
He said: “We’re so fortunate that this has happened to us. Most normal businesses with the leisure industry don't have what we have.
“It’s thanks to the nationwide following and the people watching what I do that has given me the budget to then be able to give a bit of something back.
“It all stemmed from having several viral videos - I’m able to keep the show prices as low as possible because we’re able to earn revenue elsewhere.”
Joz has asked his followers to suggest other businesses in Rotherham who could benefit from a sandwich donation.