AS 2022 comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the year gone by which has seen several new restaurants and takeaways open in Southend.

Here are just some of the sites that opened their doors for the first time this year within the Southend borough:

1. Wagamama’s – London Road:

Back on August 14, Wagamama’s opened its doors for the first time along London Road in Southend.

The chain moved into to the former Bella Italia site and is based across two-floors.

On the day of the opening, many customers queued up outside to get the first look.

Jasmine Cotgrove, general manager at the site, said: “We have a Japanese-inspired menu with lots of different dishes and great side dishes.

“The feedback has been really positive and lots of people have bene really keen to visit.”

2. Taco Bell – High Street:

Just weeks ago, on December 15, Taco Bell opened its doors along Southend High Street.

The world-famous Mexican-inspired restaurant replaced the former Moss Bros store.

On the day of the opening, the first 100 customers were also rewarded with a free taco.

Lucy Dee, head of marketing at Taco Bell UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Taco Bell to Southend.

“The community has been crying out for more Taco Bells and we are very pleased to be able to deliver.”

3. Wing Stop – London Road:

Back on December 13, Wingstop opened its doors for the first time along London Road in Southend.

The new outlet was Wingstop’s 28th location in the UK, but its first in Essex.

It has the capacity for more than 80 diners, with family seating, intimate tables, and booths to suit all occasions.

Tom Grogan, director of Lemon Pepper Holding (Wingstop UK), said: “We are thrilled to join the vibrant line up in Southend, and expand on our ever-growing presence across the country.”

4. Cookies and Cones UK – Progress Road:

On December 1, Cookies and Cones opened their doors to a new takeaway site and production facility in Eastwood.

The firm invested £250,000 into a new site which included head offices, and a major production facility.

This is the company’s tenth stores in total, but the first to offer a huge viewing window into the production room.

Matt Davis, owner, said: “It is an extremely exciting time here at Cookies and Cones.

“I would like to thank our customers for continuing to support us as they are the reason we are here today.”

5. Grate the House of Cheese – Leigh Broadway:

Back on October 1, Grate the House of Cheese re-opened its doors to a newly refreshed restaurant.

It was completely relaunched with new owners after closing.

They offer a wide range of treats involving cheese, including mac and cheese, and cheese toasties.

Nick Jones, co-owner, said: “The feedback has been good so far with customers very happy.

“The Broadway is such a nice place to open, and it is a real community high street feel down here.”