DOZENS of new restaurants are enjoying success as Southend High Street adapts to survive amid changing shopping habits.

Among them is Plan Burrito, which threw open its doors last week. 

A number of new takeaways have opened in empty shops over the last two years, including big-name chains like Taco Bell and Wagamama and independents like Japanese restaurant Sokuri. 

Mexican street food chain Plan Burrito is the latest addition to the High Street after opening in the former Warren James jewellery store last Monday.

Since opening in the former Warren James jewellery store last Monday, it has already proven a hit with students.

Owner Riju Vargghese said: “It’s been lovely. The people of Southend have been so welcoming.

“We’ve had a great week, and we hope it stays that way.”

Echo: Taco team - owner Riju Vargghese with Olivia Andrzejczak and Stephen Thomas.Taco team - owner Riju Vargghese with Olivia Andrzejczak and Stephen Thomas. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

“Burrito maker” Stephen Thomas, 22, is a student from India who is also completing his master’s degree at Essex University’s Southend campus.

He said: “It’s been a week since we opened, and it’s been really busy. We’re already making a lot of regular customers.

“I’ve really enjoyed chatting with them. This place is perfect for me.

“I always try to make conversation with customers because it’s not just about selling burritos. Even just for those two minutes, I want to make sure they’re okay and ask how their day is going.”

Echo: Pride - Stephen Thomas is passionate about what he does.Pride - Stephen Thomas is passionate about what he does. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Colleague Olivia Andrzejczak, 19, says the restaurant has been met with a warm reception.

She said: “You don’t really see Mexican restaurants in Southend. Everybody’s willing to try something new.”

Echo: Helping hand - Peter is one of the people who aided Plan Burrito's transformation.Helping hand - Peter is one of the people who aided Plan Burrito's transformation. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Peter Alabaster, Sorrell commercial property manager, helped to open Plan Burrito and several other High Street businesses over the last 15 years.

He returned to the Mexican restaurant as a customer to enjoy a “proper lunchtime snack”.

Mr Alabaster said: “This is a lot tastier compared to Taco Bell.

“Plan Burrito is priced higher, so you would expect better quality. This is a proper lunchtime snack.”

Echo: Sokuri opened in December last year.Sokuri opened in December last year. (Image: Ethan Banks)

Food businesses that have joined the likes of Taco Bell, Wagamama and Plan Burrito in the city centre include Punjab Grill, in London Road, Southend, which opened opened in November last year serving a range of traditional Punjabi dishes and curries, alongside more familiar English dishes.

Sokuri, Southend High Street’s newest Asian restaurant, continues to prove popular since it opened in December.

Family-run Turkish restaurant, Victoria BBQ Bar, also opened across two floors in Southchurch Road in December.