A FAMILY-run chippy will be returning to the seafront by popular demand and a £100,000 investment.

The Zinonos family, who ran the “turreted” Ye Olde Chippy opposite the Kursaal on Southend seafront, is behind the new restaurant.

The family is working with Southend seafront businessman Paul Thompson.

It will replace Mr Thompson’s Baskin Robbin and Maple Moose takeaways in Marine Parade, Southend, with the project costing about £100,000.

George Zinonos, 53, said: “We cannot wait to get back and the seafront is in our blood.

“Every time I go down there I get an adrenaline rush and I am excited to welcome back all our regular customers. Lots have been contacting us asking when we can re-open.

“My parents opened in 1984 and we then closed in 2014. I think people like a family-run business as they know they will be looked after.”

Mr Thompson who also runs Pebbles One Cafe and Spar said: “The Ye Olde Chippy closed down due to the Marine Plaza development after 35 years.

“The business and family has a strong Facebook following and they came to us for a new partnership.

“It will cost about £100,000 to convert it and it will be a state of the art fish and chip restaurant with 25 tables and a family play area.

“Part of Baskin Robbins will move into Spar as it’s a big site. It’s an exciting new business and there are only about three chip shops in this area.

“There’s been a big calling for the business to re-open on Facebook and get them back. The project is ongoing and it should be open by Easter.

“It’s good to see a long established seafront business re-open.”

Southend seafront’s £100million Marine Plaza plans include 282 apartments and restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the Golden Mile.

It has faced various setbacks.