SIGNS are being installed at Basildon’s new Five Guys restaurant, as excitement builds ahead of the burger chain opening.

The restaurant will be the first Five Guys to open in Basildon, with the only other south Essex site being at Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Signage and windows have been installed at the restaurant, at Festival Leisure Park, this week.

However, bosses have been tight-lipped on when the American-stile diner will open, previously only stating it would be open “in time for summer”.

It is replacing the former Villagio restaurant at Festival Leisure Park.

Councillors and residents are eagerly awaiting the opening, with another big firm coming to the town.

READ MORE >>>

Kerry Smith, Independent councillor for Nethermayne, said: “I think it’s a good thing for the borough, as it means a new business opportunity as well as new jobs for our residents and young people so these are also welcome.

“It’s good to see a big firm like this showing interest in Basildon and it will help to attract more people to the borough which is always a good thing. It is also good to see more investment at the leisure park which really has been going from strength to strength.

“I think it’s the free parking which helps draw so many people and businesses to the leisure park and which is part of the success of it. I think lots of visitors and families will be very pleased about Five Guys opening here and will be excitedly awaiting it’s launch date.”

Five Guys is mainly known for its hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries, as well as its milkshakes.

But Mr Smith, a former deputy leader of Basildon Council, said it was the boost to the economy of Basildon he most welcomed.

New jobs at Five Guys are being advertised online and a LinkedIn page for the restaurant at the leisure park has been set up.

Five Guys restaurants have opened at Lakeside Shopping Centre and in Chelmsford in recent years.

Five Guys and Festival Leisure Park were contacted for comment.