A DATE has been officially announced for Wagamama to open at Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park.

The Japanese-inspired restaurant will open to the public for the first time on December 2.

Mexican restaurant Chiquito closed at the Leisure Park on August 18, with the building converted into the new restaurant.

Chiquito had been a popular restaurant at Festival Leisure Park for the last 12 years.

But residents were over the moon to see an opening date announced, with the Echo’s story receiving 400 comments and 75 shares.

Sally Marsh, 57, said: “We’ve been looking forward to this since it was announced months ago.

“We are big fans of Wagamama in my house so I am sure we will all be booking a table soon.

“Its always great to see new restaurants opening up, especially ones like Wagamama which are a bit different to what we have on offer now.”

Responding to the Echo on Facebook, Stacey Palmer added: “What great news on a Monday morning.

“Love Wagamama and normally have to wait until we go Lakeside to treat ourselves, but will be great to have it on the doorstep.”

When the news was announced in July, The Restaurant Group, which owns both Chiquito and Wagamama said no current team members are at risk from the conversion and all employees will be offered the opportunity to move across to Wagamama or be transferred internally to another Chiquito or the restaurant group.

Matthew Chambers, centre manager at Festival Leisure Park, said: “We’re thrilled Wagamama will be officially opening on Monday, December 2nd December, two weeks from today exactly.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming fans and new guests of the pan Asian-inspired restaurant here to Festival Leisure Park.”

Plans for the conversion were announced in July ahead of Chiquito’s closing. In September, The Restaurant Group announced at least 88 of its Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito branches would close over the next six years.