Taco Bell has unveiled when its newest Kent store is set to open its restaurant doors.

The fast food giant tabled plans for a new venue at Westwood Cross near Broadstairs, earlier this year to join the likes of Hollywood Bowl and Riparo Lounge at the former Debenhams store.

And in September, the district council green-lighted the Mexican-inspired eatery’s proposals meaning it will be its first branch to launch in Thanet.

The fast-food chain already has seven branches across the county and more than 130 restaurants in the UK.

But those living in the district previously had to travel to Dover or Canterbury to get their fix of the brand’s tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos.

The company has now confirmed it is set to open its doors at Westwood Cross on December 11.

In 2021, it was revealed the former Debenhams would be transformed into a complex with restaurants, bars and leisure offerings across the two-storey site.

Despite the closure of other stores across the country, it was hoped the Broadstairs outlet could be spared.

Boohoo – which bought the retailer in a £55 million deal – revealed in January 2021 that it had no plans to keep any of its remaining Debenhams stores open after 243 years of trading.

Since its closure, the Westwood Cross site has been subdivided into different units and brands such as Hollywood Bowl and the Riparo Lounge have now moved into the former department store.

The latest plan for Taco Bell would see its restaurant open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm.

The unit would also provide 20 jobs in the form of eight full-time and 12 part-time job positions, with both eat-in and takeaway services on the cards.