Debenhams, the department store retailer, is to invest £5m in revamping its in-house restaurants.
The company said that it had launched a second phase of a restaurant refurbishment programme that would see the interiors and menus of its Style Cafés updated over several years.
The group, which has 160 stores, is set to implement the changes in 30 to 40 sites a year, with 20 pilot stores already completed.
As part of the project, pre-packed sandwiches are to be replaced with fresh, made-to-order baguettes and wraps, as well as a cooked menu.
Peter Barrett , foodservice director, said: “We carried out major consumer research in 2006 which told us that customers wanted more choice, quicker service and better signage. Freshly prepared was a feature that came up time and time again.
“We responded with a new look that took all these factors into account and we tested the concept thoroughly in a couple of pilot stores. Customers really appreciated the freshly cooked approach and it brought them in droves. We are rolling the concepts out nationally and already, the results have been dramatic.”
The company has already carried out the first phase of its programme, which saw it partner with Douwe Egberts to sell roasted coffee at 30 of its stores.
