Costa reopens 44 sites for eat-in

Costa has reopened 44 of its UK stores this week for eat-in.

Initiating its trial phase on Thursday (9 July), the business has said it will look to reintroduce the eat-in option across a further 1,000 stores by the end of the month.

With limited seating and all tables placed 2 metres apart, the sites will operate on a first come first serve basis, and customers will be guided to an available table by a member of staff upon arrival.

In support of the track and trace initiative, the business will be taking the details of customers opting for eat-in.

Perspex screens have been installed on all counters, designated pick up points have been allocated for delivery and mobile order collections, and bespoke serving hatches have been installed across all its drive-thru sites to facilitate contactless delivery.

As with procedures across its stores currently operating for takeaway, hand sanitiser stations will be made available for customers to use, and all team members will be provided with PPE.

“With safety remaining our number one priority, our eat-in trial has been designed in line with government guidelines and will test the enhanced safety and operating measures we’ve implemented,” said Neil Lake, managing director of Costa UK and Ireland.

“Feedback on our stores re-opening has been overwhelming positive and we are grateful for the hard work of our store teams and the patience of our customers as we do this.

“We look forward to welcoming more customers back to the seating areas of our stores soon.”