Sainsbury's is shutting 200 of its in-store cafes today, in a move that will render the stores unrecognisable. Only 67 cafes will remain, and only two of the four that until now could be found in the Bristol region.
Here, we had four Sainsbury's cafes: Emersons Green, Bedminster, Filton, and Brislington. Only the Emersons Green and Bedminster cafes will remain open after the end of this month.
Across the country, the cafes will be replaced by "restaurant hubs" and Starbucks kiosks. The hubs will be run by another company, named Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which runs the Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner, and Slim Chickens brands.
Read more: New Valneva covid vaccine and its links to Bristol explained
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson told Bristol Live today: “Last month, we confirmed we’re transforming our eat-in, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offer through new food halls in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group and cafes with Starbucks. As part of this, some of our cafes will close by the end of this month and we will keep colleagues and customers updated on our plans.”
Announcing the move last month, Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s CEO, 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."
“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.”
Dave Gill, a national officer at the Union of Shop, Distributive, and Allied Workers (Usdaw), said last month: “This is devastating news for our members affected by Sainsbury’s proposals. Usdaw’s local reps and officials will now engage in talks with store managers, where they will be looking at the business case for the company’s planned changes.
“Usdaw’s priorities are to keep as many staff employed in the business and achieve the best deal possible for those affected. In the meantime we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”
Sainsbury's had previously said some 2,000 jobs would be put at risk as a result of the move. An Usdaw spokesperson told Bristol Live today: "As I understand it, all staff affected were offered alternative roles within the business. The vast majority were redeployed and the remainder opted for voluntary redundancy."
A previous version of this article stated the Bedminster cafe was to close; Sainsbury's has confirmed it will in fact remain open. Bristol Live regrets the error.
