Asda trials shop-in-shops for new start-up investment Lean Kitchen Network

Asda said that in addition to its investment, it had linked up with LKN to trial tech-driven food-for-now counters in four of its London stores in Park Royal, Colindale, Bexley and Edmonton.

Customers will be able to order food at LKN’s touchscreen kiosk or via their smartphone by scanning a QR code and can wait for their order to be made in the store’s kitchen or collect it at the end of their shop.

Customers will also be able to use the counters to order delivery via Uber Eats.

LKN, whose portfolio includes virtual burger chain Twisted London, has partnerships with brands such as PepsiCo, Heinz and Doritos, as well as its own House of Yum brand, and creates interactive menus that change throughout the day to suit the needs of customers.

The announcement follows a trial of LKN’s House of Yum cafe concept at the Asda store in Clapham Junction, London, last December.

Asda chief strategy officer Preyash Thakrar said: “Asda’s partnerships strategy is anchored around collaborating with innovative businesses like Lean Kitchen Network to bring new products and services to customers.

“Investing in the business is the natural next step in our relationship and we look forward to working with them as they drive positive change in the food-for-now market, leading to greater choice and improved quality for consumers.”

The tie-up with LKN represents just the latest in a series of partnerships the grocery giant has struck since 2020 as part of its “test and learn” strategy to repurpose space in store. 

Since 2020 Asda has either extended or struck new partnerships for shop-in-shops with everything from food-on-the-go specialist Greggs, to toy retailer The Entertainer, fashion brand Accessorize, Decathlon and Music Magpie.