Inside Caffe Nero as it prepares to reopen as it names popular items axed from its menu
CAFFE Nero is preparing to reopen cafes for fans to eat in, but it’s axed popular items from the food menu.
Customers won’t be able to order open salads or pizzettas, although you can still nab items such as pastries, sandwiches and drinks.
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To keep staff and customers safe from coronavirus, the chain has installed perspex screens around the tills and reduced and spaced seating areas.
Customers will be guided around shops with floor markings and one-way systems.
Customer toilets will be open in branches offering eat in, with staff cleaning them at least every 30 minutes.
Caffe Nero has also set up sanitiser stations outside loos and near the seating areas.
Customers won’t be able to pay by cash, and instead have to pay by card or through the Caffe Nero app.
If you’re disappointed by the reduced menu, you’ll be pleased to know that Caffe Nero said it’s looking to introduce more items over the coming weeks.
It said it’s simplified the menu in order to make it easier for staff.
As part of the move, it’s temporarily removed crockery for drink and food orders but said customers who need cutlery will get disposable versions.
Caffe Nero plans to reopen 400 of its 800 UK stores for eat-in on July 4.
The branches are already open for takeaway and will be converted to eat-in on Friday night.
You can find your nearest open Caffe Nero branch by using its store locator tool.
The majority will also be available on UberEats if you prefer getting the items delivered to your home.
Just make sure you double-check the delivery fee before you order, which will vary depending on where you live.
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Caffe Nero closed all branches in March following government orders, although it was allowed to stay open for takeaway and delivery.
Last week, Boris Johnson gave restaurants, pubs and cafes the green light to reopen for eat-in from July 4.
Gerry Ford, Caffe Nero’s founder and group chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to be able to reopen 400 stores for eat-in.
“We’ve seen high demand since we’ve started opening for takeaway and our teams are excited to welcome customers back properly.
“We have prioritised protecting the health and wellbeing of our people and our customers in setting these stores, while also providing safe, friendly community spaces as the country starts to reopen.”
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In May, Caffe Nero reopened 40 shops for takeaway and rolled out a delivery service with Uber Eats for the first time.
Rival Costa Coffee has also reopened some of its branches to the public for takeaway, delivery and drive-thru.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s yesterday confirmed it won’t reopen branches for eat-in on July 4, despite being given the green light by the government.