Owners of a popular Asian-Texas smokehouse say customers “won’t recognise” the long-empty unit it is preparing to open in.

The Korean Cowgirl has already seen more 350 covers booked for its launch on Ashford's Eureka Leisure Park on Good Friday (April 18).

The company is filling the former Chiquito restaurant following the Mexican chain's closure during the pandemic.

Five years on, and the arrival of The Korean Cowgirl will feature a menu including ramen, smash burgers, and rice bowls, as well as Texas-style brisket and Korean BBQ sausage.

New pictures show a USA-themed interior including several large TVs.

Signs have also been erected outside with bosses now adding the finishing touches ahead of its launch.

Owners believes the "high-end" offering has all the ingredients to be a success.

A spokesperson said: “The restaurant has come out looking fabulous - people won’t recognise how it looks now compared to before.

“It’s quite a big venue in its own right and has easy parking with lots of other things for people to do nearby.

“We just think it will be really well-received and something a bit different for Ashford.

“We’re unique in that we offer authentic smoked American barbecue, but smoked long, slowly and daily and on-site."

The company already has sites at Riverside in Canterbury and at Cave Hotel in Boughton-under-Blean.

Bosses announced plans to fill the latest new unit, which sits between Nando’s and Subway, in October.

After being given the green light by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for an alcohol licence, work began to transform the vacant site at the start of February.

Bosses says it was always the company's vision to transform the long-empty premises.

“It’s been a major refurbishment - it’s pushing a near seven-figure investment,” they added.

“It’s high-end but the beauty with The Korean Cowgirl is you can have a fabulous ramen for about £15 and leave feeling full up, or you can eat a ludicrous board which can serve six people for about £100.

“There’s a lot of doom-and-gloom in hospitality at the minute with huge rising costs, but we’re taking the bull by the horns.

“Our plan is to open a dozen Korean Cowgirl restaurants across the south east and we’re hoping to announce another new site in Kent as well in the near future."

With 180 covers available at the unit at any one time - including about 50 outside - bosses say the restaurant is on a long-term lease at Eureka Park.

About 30 employees will also be on the books at the former M20 Nightclub site, with the chain to trade seven days a week.