From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Jenni Horn, 26 July 2013.

Jobs on the menu as new restaurants take shape.

Up to 140 jobs will be created when two new food outlets open in North Kent.

The former Mango Joe’s bar in Medway Valley Leisure Park, Strood, is being demolished to make way for an American-themed diner – Coast to Coast. The restaurant is due to open in December, and according to a spokesman, will create 85 to 100 jobs.

Mango Joe's has now been demolished.

The new addition to the leisure park follows the Hungry Horse pub and Hollywood Bowl bowling complex which opened earlier this year.

M&G Property Portfolio, which owns the site, want to make it more family-friendly.

Tim Hayns, from the group, said: “We want to move away from alcohol-led sales and create more of a family entertainment-led park.”

Coast to Coast is owned by the Restaurant Group, which already runs Chiquito and Frankie & Benny’s at the park.

There are only six Coast to Coast branches in the UK, with more set to open this year. Launched in Brighton in 2011, the decor is inspired by the Lincoln Highway, with music including Motown and American rock. Burgers, pizzas and cocktails will be on the menu.

Meanwhile, a new drive-through KFC takeaway is taking shape in Courteney Road, Gillingham. Work began on the new building, behind Tesco, this year and it is set to open in November.

A spokesman said: “We’re delighted to be bringing our great tasting Grade-A chicken to the local area, as well as creating around 40 new career opportunities for local people.”

Above Google image, June 2017.