Southend High Street Mexican restaurant to open within weeks

Plan Burrito is set to be the latest fast-food addition to the High Street thanks to husband and wife team Riju Vargghese and Sharon Riju. 

The transformation of the former Warren James jewellers is now complete with the inside of the restaurant fully-loaded.

Excited - businessman Aras Ali's construction firm has converted the former jewellery store into a restaurant. (Image: Aras Ali)

Riju and Sharon are now rubber stamping the final details before opening to the public. 

The restaurant specialises in Mexican street food including tacos, churros and a full range of burritos. 

Sharon, 35, said: “We are definitely opening this month, but we’ll be revealing the exact opening date on our social media pages.

“The restaurant is pretty much ready.

“We’re excited to offer something authentic, with dishes to suit everyone’s tastes and dietary requirements.”

Opening soon - the Tex-Mex restaurant is set to offer 'unique' flavours. (Image: Sharon Riju)

While franchisees Sharon and Riju are still discussing plans for their grand opening, ideas are set to include “tasters” for new customers to sample the “unique” street food.

For customers whose eyes are as big as their stomachs, an eating challenge will see diners take on a “giant” burrito.

Sharon added: “The ‘Plan vs Man’ eating challenge is on offer for any foodies brave enough to take it on. If they manage it, they will win a prize and end up on our ‘wall of fame’.

“We’ll be offering tasters because we’re new, so people will need to figure out what they like before they buy it.

“Our flavours are pretty unique, but I’m confident we’re going to be one of the best street food venues in the city.”

Renovated - the former jewellery store has been totally transformed. (Image: Submitted)

The restaurant will offer “blue light” discounts to NHS and emergency services workers, along with discounts for students.

Plan Burrito hopes to attract university and college students, so Sharon and Riju say they are ensuring their prices are “pretty affordable”.

Southend businessman Aras Ali’s construction firm has spent months transforming the former Warren James jewellery store into a restaurant.

Aras said: “It’s really exciting. I’m looking forward to it finally opening.

“The franchisee and the building’s owners are very happy with what we’ve done with the place. It’s amazing, and very modern.”

“The franchisee and the building's owners are very happy with what we’ve done with the place. It’s amazing, and very modern.”

For updates on the restaurant’s opening dates, along with competitions and promotions, follow Plan Burrito Southend on Facebook and Instagram.