Around 2,000 jobs have been put at risk after Sainsbury's announced plans to shut 200 in-store cafes.
The supermarket chain also confirmed it is launching consultations with an undisclosed number of staff regarding plans to close less popular hot food counters in 34 stores and changes to how it runs bakeries in 54 stores.
The cuts are the latest in a raft of recent restructuring moves by the retailer as it seeks to keep a lid on rising costs.
READ MORE: Revolution Bars Group returns to half-year profit and sales surge after Covid restrictions lifted
Sainsbury's told staff at its cafes on Tuesday morning that it is proposing to close 200 sites in the spring, the PA news agency reported.
It said that workers affected by the closures will be prioritised for vacant roles in stores and will be encouraged to apply for jobs elsewhere in the business.
The remaining 67 in-store cafes will stay open while the company reviews changes to its dining operations.
Its decision to close the cafes is a part of a wider move to transform its dining, takeaway and home delivery food and drink offer from stores.
Most Read
The retailer said it will also open 30 more restaurant hubs in stores in partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), which runs the Caffe Carluccio's, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed's Diner and Slim Chickens brands.
It said the move comes after a successful trial partnership at its Selly Oak supermarket in Birmingham.
The supermarket business said it will also open 30 Starbucks sites across its supermarkets, as it seeks to overhaul its offer across 250 stores over the next three years.
Get business news direct to your inbox
There's no better time to stay up to date with economic and business news from your region. By signing up for our daily newsletters, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups from all the major sectors, you get our journalism direct by email. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here
On Tuesday, the group also confirmed the closure of further hot food counters and changes to bakery operations at some sites.
It did not specify the number of jobs impacted but the move comes after previous cuts in these areas.
In April last year, Sainsbury's said 1,200 jobs were at risk from plans to stop baking products in some stores, while it cut around 3,500 jobs due to the closure of fresh meat and fish counters in November 2020.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's chief executive officer, said: "As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.
Don’t miss
"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.
"We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.
"We are really excited about this new customer offer we will be rolling out over the next two to three years across many of our stores."