New Korean-Japanese restaurant planning to open in Southend High Street

A Korean-Japanese restaurant and takeaway chain is planning to open a new branch in Southend High Street.

The takeaway restaurant brand offers a range of hot food, sushi, sashimi and gyozas. It combines the simple decor of Japanese traditional interiors with modern materiality.

Kokoro has applied to take over the former Brother 2 Brother clothing store and convert it from a retail unit to a food takeaway unit.

The unit is currently occupied temporarily by the Missyone clothing store, however the landlord is understood to be looking for a longer-term tennant.

The Kokoro chain, which has over 75 branches in the UK, is undergoing rapid growth in the UK through a franchise model.

Mohamed Ahmed, owner of the current Missyone shop, said he had wanted to stay in the unit but they were outbid by Kokoro.

He said: “We are doing well at our current location and want to stay open. Unfortunately when we applied again, for a longer term lease, it was rejected. We hoped to bring a good quality clothing shop to Southend and from what feedback we have got our customers love it.

“Unfortunately this restaurant business, not that we need another in Southend, is beating our terms given. We are open till mid Jan 2025, We will be looking for another location in time for Spring 2025.”