Greggs to reopen 800 shops with new limited menu on Thursday

Greggs bakery has announced it will reopen 800 of its UK stores on Thursday along with a reduced menu to ensure social distancing in its kitchens.

The selected takeaway menu will be available for collection through Just Eat from June 18 as part of its phased reopening plan.

They also confirmed social distancing measures will be in place with the help of floor markings, protective screens, PPE for staff and hand sanitiser.

Greggs had been allowed to stay open throughout the lockdown, offering takeaway and delivery services, but bosses declined so not to compromise the safety of its employees.

Roger Whiteside, Greggs Chief Executive said: “Over the past month, we have carried out robust trials using our new operational and social distancing measures and they have progressed well.

“This has allowed us to move to our next reopening phase with just over 800 of our shops welcoming customers back this week.

“The health and safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority and for this reason we have put in the time and effort to make a thorough assessment of all shops. ‘Although we will open with a reduced range, this will be a significant step in us helping the nation get back up and running and serving the communities that we operate in.”

In a report on the opening, Greggs said: “In line with this plan we intend to re-open around 800 shops to takeaway customers later this week, on Thursday 18 June. 

“All team members are being trained in the range of operational changes and protective measures that we have implemented across our retail estate, including”.