RESTAURANT plans submitted to the council all but confirm Five Guys burger chain is on its way to Chester.

It comes as sushi bar YO! Sushi officially reveals that it is leaving the city “in the coming weeks” with staff being relocated to its eatery at Cheshire Oaks.

The 'Five Guys' name is not used on any of the planning documents lodged with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

But full proposals for the new restaurant at 46, Bridge Street, clearly show a layout that is virtually identical to the operational Five Guys branch at Cheshire Oaks.

It includes a large ‘production line’ counter that allows customers to see the progress of their burger and meal.

The plan clearly shows griddles, fryers, a fry table, dressing table, sandwich wrap table, condiment table and milkshake area, along with order and collection points.

The Standard has contacted the Five Guys press office several times in the past few weeks but has not yet received confirmation of their plans.

Rumours have been doing the rounds on social media that the popular American burger chain is replacing YO! Sushi very soon – although Chester does not appear on the ‘coming soon’ list of restaurants on the company’s UK website.

It was also rumoured that YO! Sushi is closing as Five Guys offered to pay more rent.

A Yo! Sushi spokesman refused to comment on this, but added: “With a fairly large estate of almost 100 restaurants, from time to time, it makes sense to exit certain sites. This was the case at Chester.

“Staff will be relocated to the Cheshire Oaks site, which is close by, and we hope that customers will also visit us there.”

At least one person will not be happy to see the sushi restaurant go.

In response to the application by the ‘mystery’ operator, a disgruntled resident wrote on CWaC’s website: “Chester does not need another Americanised burger diner. YO! Sushi on the other hand is a unique eating establishment.

“Also I understand that the outside dining area would be expanded. This is neither practical, as the pavement is narrow here as it is. Also it is close to a taxi firm and therefore relatively busy road.

“This is not going to be pleasant for any al fresco diners due to the noise and pollution.”

The plans – which are yet to be discussed by the council’s planning committee - confirm an outside seating area of four tables, eight chairs and two breeze barriers.

* Five Guys started out in Virginia, USA, in 1986 and was the brainchild of five brothers. They aimed to produce uncomplicated burgers and fries, “cooked to perfection”.