(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A Greek food business launched by a former MasterChef competitor is preparing to open a new town centre restaurant in Darlington after building a successful following at the town's indoor market.
The Gyros Place, owned by chef Matei Baran, is getting ready to open a new venue on the corner of Skinnergate and Post House Wynd, with bosses promising an "exciting" new experience for customers.
In a post shared on social media on October 5, the business told customers: "The countdown is on, Darlington.
"Something exciting is getting closer.
"The finishing touches are coming together at The Gyros Place and we can't wait to welcome you through the doors of our brand-new venue right here in Darlington."
The business has asked people to keep an eye on its social media channels over the coming weeks, with further details about the opening date and what customers can expect due to be revealed soon.
Matei Baran who has opened The Gyros Place in Darlington
The new restaurant follows the success of The Gyros Place stall in Darlington Market, which opened in January.
Chef Matei Baran, a former MasterChef competitor, launched the business after running several food outlets in the market.
He previously said: "I have a couple of stores in the market, the German and the Italian, and previously we had a Mexican before this, but when the Greek place left, we decided to change because Greek food is the number one street food in the UK.
"So that is why we took over and opened this new place."
He added: "I am a chef and have quite a lot of experience in the market. We do gyros, lamb and chicken koftes, souvlaki, platters, halloumi, loaded fries and all.
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"We get all of our ingredients fresh, even the vegetables from the green grocers in the market.
"Everything we make in here, from the flat breads to the chips, is homemade. We marinate the meat, and we can do everything in house."
An opening date has not yet been announced, but the business said more details would be shared over the next fortnight.