Sainsbury’s puts 2,000 jobs at risk as it overhauls eat-in and takeaway offer

The grocer said it would close 200 in-store cafes by the spring, putting some 2,000 roles at risk of redundancy.

Sainsbury’s also said it would close “less popular” hot-food counters in 34 of its stores and “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”.

The cafe closures come as Sainsbury’s looks to redevelop its in-store and delivery food offerings.

The grocery giant said it would roll out a further 30 of its Restaurant Hub food hall formats over the next year, following a “successful” trial in its Selly Oak Store. 

The food halls, run in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), 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.

Sainsbury’s will also roll out a further 30 Starbucks coffee shops in supermarkets over the next year, bringing the total number to 60. 

Working with both BRG and Starbucks, Sainsbury’s said it “plans to transform the eat-in, takeaway and home-delivered hot food and drink offer in 250 of its supermarkets over the next three years”.

Chief executive 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 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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