Queues round block for new Walsall restaurant

Diners queued round the block to try out a new 300-seat restaurant as it opened its doors for the first time.

The Fiesta World Buffet and Bar in Walsall, which has created 50 new jobs, was an immediate hit with customers. Scores of people turned up to take advantage of the first night offer of a 99p meal for the first 99 customers.

Last night's opening was heralded by street performers, including drummers, singers and stilt walkers.

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Drinkers at the nearby beer festival, which also opened last night, brought out their pints to watch the fun. The £1.2 million restaurant has been launched in the former Chicago Rock Cafe in Lichfield Street, serving an international mix of dishes, among them Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Indian and English food.

Behind the venture is Mandeep Singh Kohli who has hired 15 chefs to keep diners satisfied. More than 300 people applied for positions at the buffet which received support on social networking sites after plans emerged of its town centre opening.

It replaces the former Chicago Rock Cafe which closed suddenly in December 2010. A failure to re-negotiate the lease with the landlord was blamed for the decision by Atmosphere Bars and Clubs Ltd, which ran the chain.

Regeneration boss Adrian Andrew has welcomed the new business and employment prospects. A Facebook group has been set up to inform people of the latest news, including jobs.