A thriving smokehouse where Texas meets Seoul plans to build on its success by revamping a long-empty Chiquito restaurant.

Korean Cowgirl, where subtly spiced oriental aromas meet bold and brash barbecue flavours from the United States panhandle, is poised to open at Eureka Park in Ashford.

Known for its low and slow overnight cooking techniques, the Kent-based chain has gone from strength to strength at its Canterbury and Boughton-under-Blean branches.

Now, the fried chicken wing aficionado unveiled ambitious plans to breathe new life into former Mexican chain diner Chiquito which has been empty for four years.

Korean has one branch based at Canterbury Riverside, and the other within the high-end hotel The Cave near Faversham.

A licensing application has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council for the bid.

The licence, if granted, would allow Korean Cowgirl to open seven days a week.

It would also be able to serve alcohol every day until midnight and play recorded music.

It is not known when the eatery, loved for its fried chicken, would open at the park.

Bosses have been contacted for more information.

The Restaurant Group, which also owns Frankie & Benny’s and Wagamama, announced that 61 out of 80 branches of Chiquito would not reopen following the pandemic.

Ashford’s Chiquito succumbed to the cutbacks, permanently closing in October 2020.

Signs were removed and all that remained was a solitary sombrero in the front windows.

Before the Mexican venue, the building was home to the M20 nightclub, which shut down in 2005.