THE Covid pandemic has no doubt been a disaster for the hospitality industry, but that hasn’t stopped some restaurant bosses eyeing up moves to the Southend borough.
There are a number of applications that have been submitted to the council in recent months involving the addition of new eateries.
So here is a round-up of the new restaurants that could be on their way to our area in the near future.
Sam’s Chicken
A new fast-food restaurant could be set to takeover a now empty shop building.
Plans have been submitted an application to change the use of 119 High Street, in Southend, from retail to restaurant.
The building was formerly home to the Beauty Palace.
Tariq Ahmed is the applicant behind the plans and despite little information being included, drawings suggest it will become home to Fast Food outlet, Sam’s Chicken.
The firm has around 48 outlets across the country, with dozens based around London.
It offers a range of fried and peri-peri chicken, wraps, sides such as fries and mozzarella dips, and even sweet treats like apple pies.
If the plans were approved, it would be Sam’s Chicken’s first restaurant in Essex.
KFC
No official plans have been submitted over a new KFC restaurant, but the fast-food giant has made no secret of its desire to reopen a venue on Southend High Street.
KFC was based at the heart of the town centre several years ago before moving out to the Greyhound Retail Park.
But bosses have identified High Street as one of 12 sites it would like to open new restaurants in Essex.
They say the ideal location for the new KFC will have enough room for 25 car parking spaces and a minimum of 0.50 acres, although this can be reduced when part of a development and sharing car parking.
Bosses also note that they are happy to open a new store next to competition: “At KFC, we are confident that our great tasting food offers fantastic value, whomever it is compared to!”
Elite Peri Peri
A former florist shop could be turned into a new restaurant and takeaway.
Mr M Kugathas is behind the proposals for the old Fantasy Flowers store at 153 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood.
He is bidding to install a seating area inside the shop on the ground floor and convert its change of use from retail to restaurant.
The upper floors, which are currently used as flats, are not affected by the plans.
Drawings of the external changes to the building suggest the new restaurant would be called Elite Peri Peri.
The planning statement reads: “The proposal would provide internal seating area for patrons to enjoy hot cooked food, especially for shoppers, whilst also providing a new food outlet service for the local community.
“The proposal intends to also provide much needed economic boost to the existing business by providing a new restaurant within the parade with seating thereby attracting patrons from the local community and businesses.”
A new extraction system would be installed as part of the plans to prevent odours from the restaurant affecting nearby properties.
However, several objections have been submitted against the plans so far.
Pizza Pizza
A FORMER bank is set to be transformed into a new pizza restaurant in the heart of Leigh.
Plans have been submitted to convert the former Lloyds on Leigh’s Broadway. The bank is one of many that have closed in the town.
In May 2019 Lloyds bank announced it would close three days a week before closing for good before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
BDA Architecture have now lodged plans on behalf of brand Pizza Pizza.
The application lays out plans to build a single storey rear extension, install a flue and a new shop sign on the front.
In the planning application, BDA Architecture stated the proposals would be a “positive solution to rejuvenate the existing tired vacant unit” as they look to the council to approve plans.
Royal Pavilion
The iconic building on Southend Pier is in the midst of an upgrade, and is set to offer sit-down meals later this year.
A new kitchen and bar area is being installed as part of a multimillion pound facelift, which will also see new electric trains added.
The vision for the new restaurant and bar is designed to encourage more people to visit the pier and give them a reason lengthen their visit.
It is not yet clear what type of food and meals will be available.
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