// Sainsbury’s to close 200 of its in-store cafes, with 2000 jobs at risk of redundancy
// The grocer will roll out more of its Restaurant Hub food hall formats
Sainsbury’s has revealed that it will close 200 of its in-store cafes, putting 2,000 jobs at risk.
The Big 4 grocer is seeking to roll out more of its Restaurant Hub food hall formats.
It is expected to shutter 200 in-store cafes by spring, as well as “less popular” hot-food counters in 34 of its stores.
READ MORE: Sainsbury’s launches two new local store formats
Sainsbury’s said it will also “simplify the way it runs” bakeries in a further 54 stores.
Affected cafe staff will be “prioritised for vacant roles in Sainsbury’s stores and will be encouraged to explore alternative roles within the wider business”.
Affected bakery and hot-food counter staff will enter into consultation with the aim of “redeploying those affected to other areas of their store where possible”.
In partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), Sainsbury’s plans to open 30 more Restaurant Hubs in the next year, following its success at its Selly Oak store.
Another 30 Starbucks shops will also open in its supermarkets, bringing the total to 60.
The food halls offer customers eat-in, takeaway and home-delivered hot food and drink from a range of brands – including Caffè Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner and Slim Chickens.
“We know that customers like the convenience of being able to have a drink, a snack or a meal while they’re doing their shopping – and that they love the range of food and brands on offer at The Restaurant Hub and from Starbucks,” Chief executive Simon Roberts said.
“Whether customers are shopping for food, for Tu clothing, Habitat homewares or at Argos, the offer at The Restaurant Hub means they can also have breakfast, lunch or dinner in the store – or take a hot meal home with them.
“Through our trials with BRG and Starbucks, we have learnt that we can offer customers a much better eat-in and takeaway experience working with partners.
“We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and, at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.
“We are really excited about this new customer offer we will be rolling out over the next two to three years across many of our stores.
“As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.
“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time.
“Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.”
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