A FORMER jewellery store in Southend High Street is set to be replaced by a Tex-Mex restaurant and takeaway, serving up tacos, churros, and burritos.

Mexican-style chain Plan Burrito won “Best Commended Street Food” at the Food Awards England in 2022. 

Now, it is set to replace the former Warren James store in the High Street with its “real-deal street food vibe”, creating ten new jobs for Southend.

First-time franchisees Sharon Riju, 35, and Riju Varghese, 36, are “excited” to open their first ever restaurant. 

Riju is a qualified chef whose passion for cooking has spurred the couple to open their own business.

Sharon said: “He has always dreamed of running a restaurant like this, so we’re doing it now. We’ve been thinking about doing this for ten years. Now our kids, aged five and nine, are at school, we have the time to pursue it.

“Customers can expect nothing but the best. We’ll offer sit-down meals, takeaways, kids’ meals and, eventually, deliveries.”

Echo: The takeaway will open next door to 'Cut U Up' barbers.The takeaway will open next door to 'Cut U Up' barbers. (Image: Aras Ali)

The couple chose to open their first restaurant in Southend because they “like the vibe” of the city.

Sharon added: “We always spend our summers here, so we know it well and are quite comfortable here. 

“The High Street has a busy footfall and affordable rent, so it ticked all the boxes

“It’s in the perfect spot, with the college behind and lots of people walking by in the summer.”

The couple plan to open the restaurant “at the end of February”. They are set to offer giveaways, along with discounts for students and Blue Light Card holders. 

Sharon added: “Our major customers will be university and college students, so it will be pretty affordable. We offer a very good quantity for the price, which is especially important with the cost of living at the moment.”

Echo:

Sharon admits “it takes bravery” to open a new business during challenging financial times.

She added: “We’ve been thinking about this for a long time. 

The Government has been very supportive of new business start-ups, with loans. 

“We’ve also been saving for a long time. I hope it turns out well.”

Plan Burrito founder Stephen Hopper said: “We are so excited to be opening in Southend. The community seems really friendly and welcoming. 

“We want to offer a great customer service so each and every customer knows they are truly valued.”