Sainsbury’s to close in-store cafés at Somerset stores

In Somerset, the supermarket will close its cafés at Hankridge Farm (Taunton), Bridgwater, Street, Weston-super-Mare, and Frome.

Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts described the closures as a “difficult decision” but said the supermarket is “absolutely committed” to supporting affected staff members.

Sainsbury’s told staff working in its cafés about the closures - due to take place this spring - on Tuesday. 

Affected workers will be prioritised for in-store vacancies and will be encouraged to apply for other roles within the business.

The supermarket is also set to close less popular hot food counters in 34 stores and “simplify” the way it runs bakeries in 54 stores.

Sainsbury’s will aim to redeploy affected workers to other parts of those stores.  

Nationally, Sainsbury’s is planning to open 30 new Starbucks coffee shops in its supermarkets over the next 12 months, bringing the total number to 60.

Following a successful trial at its Selly Oak Boulevard Superstore in Birmingham, Sainsbury’s is also set to introduce 30 new restaurant hubs in the next year in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group.

The Restaurant Hub in Selly Oak offers customers eat-in options, takeaways, and home-delivered hot food from brands including Caffè Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner and Slim Chickens.

Sainsbury's Hankridge Farm Superstore in Taunton. Picture: Google Maps

A total of 67 Sainsbury’s cafés will stay open while the supermarket reviews its rollout plans.  

Sainbury’s CEO Simon Roberts said: “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.

“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 Boparan Restaurant Group 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 cafés 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.”