“I’m trying to bring a nice new restaurant to Sunderland and it’s so disappointing to have this happen,” says the owner of Pepe’s as it was damaged just days before opening.

Police were called on Saturday, February 28, after reports that a trio of men had picked up bags used to weigh down signage for nearby roadworks and thrown them at the window of the restaurant, which was smashed as a result.

Damage caused to the restaurant on the corner of Fawcett Street | Ken Devine

placeholder image — Damage caused to the restaurant on the corner of Fawcett Street | Ken Devine

Fit out works to the new chicken restaurant, which is due to open on the corner of Fawcett Street and High Street West, have been ongoing for some weeks and there’s been a lot of interest in the new addition to the city, which is one in a wave of new openings on Fawcett Street.

Part of a national franchise, there’s more than 200 branches of Pepe’s Piri Piri across the country.

Speaking to the Echo, owner of the Sunderland franchise, Manoj Pathi, said: “I have spent a lot of money on this restaurant and want to bring nice food to the people of Sunderland, so I was so shocked to have this happen. It’s just not fair for this to happen when I just want to bring something good to the city centre.

“I really hope the people of Sunderland will support us.

“I have explained everything to the Police and will provide CCTV and have been told an officer will be in touch on Wednesday to advise me of the next steps.”

Manoj says neighbour Ken Devine of the 24 North East Gallery in Fawcett Street has been very supportive and has been in touch with Sunderland Central MP, Lewis Atkinson, about the incident.

The incident, which was recorded on CCTV, happened at 4.37am on Saturday, February 28.

Northumbria Police confirmed it has received a report of the incident and Manoj has been informed that an officer will be in touch. More on the police investigation on this as we get it.

The window has been boarded up and will be repaired this week | Submitted

The window has since been boarded up, with a replacement to be installed this week.

Despite the set back, Manoj says he is still planning to open the doors this week.

Signage on the new Pepe's on 1 Fawcett Street before the damage was caused | Sunderland Echo

In keeping with the Pepe’s brand, on the menu there’s options like chicken wraps, chicken burgers, loaded fries, chicken and rice, nachos and quesadillas.

The new Pepe’s sits in the shadow of the landmark Mackie's Corner and was previously occupied by gaming lounge and arcade Harry's Game Shack, however, back in summer, 2024, the business announced its decision to close.

Since then, works have been undertaken to improve the shop frontages and make them more in keeping with the sympathetic restoration works which have taken place on Mackie’s Corner and Elephant Tea Rooms.