As part of its turnaround efforts, Asda is spending £10m refreshing over 180 of its in-store cafes.
The project, led by its catering provider Compass, will begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of October.
The cafés will be upgraded with a new look and feel, including the introduction of digital ordering screens and table ordering service, alongside a manned till.
The new menu will include traditional favourites such as a full English breakfast, fish and chips, lasagne, jacket potatoes, and a Burger and Chips. These will be accompanied by some new on-trend dishes, including smashed avocado on toast, katsu chicken curry, topped salad bowls, wraps, and a new sharing range such as nachos and loaded fries. Asda’s pizzas will also become part of the new in-store café menu.
The retailer stated that the revamp will bring a more relaxed coffee shop vibe to the cafés. As well as the usual coffees such as americano, latte, mocha, and cappuccino, there will be new additions to its hot drinks menu, including flavoured iced coffees and a selection of cakes.
Asda noted that its popular ‘Kids Eat for £1’ café meal deals will remain available.
“Cafés are an important part of the shopping experience for many of our customers, and this significant investment alongside allows us to bring a new look and feel, as well making improvements to the service and a refresh of the menu,” said Ian McEvans, Vice President of Commercial Food at Asda.
“We have continued to demonstrate our commitment to our cafés over the years with popular deals like the Winter Warmer and Kids Eat for £1 meal deals, and this investment marks another exciting milestone moment for us on our journey and underpins our continued commitment to ensuring Asda is set up for long term success at the heart of communities.”
Last month, Asda claimed it was seeing signs of a recovery, helped by its price-cutting drive and improvements in product availability and its stores.
NAM Implications:
- The test will be incremental and repeat sales…
- …which should add momentum to Asda’s price-cutting drive…
- …and improvements in product availability in its stores.
- Fingers crossed…
