Wed 12th May 2021 - Carluccio’s and Sainsbury’s partner to trial trio of concepts Carluccio’s and Sainsbury’s partner to trial trio of concepts: Carluccio’s has partnered with Sainsbury’s to test three new in-store concepts. The first format will be a coffee shop in Sainsbury’s St Albans superstore, offering customers eat-in, as well as takeaway, options. Caffe Carluccio’s will open on Thursday, 3 June, and will be the first Carluccio’s to open in a supermarket. The 900 square foot coffee shop will have space for up to 45 customers to sit and enjoy the brand’s signature Italian coffee, iced coffee, Cremosa blended drinks and granita fruit ices alongside all-day breakfast foods and light bites, including freshly made ciabatta sandwiches, toasties, filled croissants and pastries. A range of Carluccio’s retail products will also be available including biscuits such as biscotti and cantucci, ground coffee and gianduiotti chocolates. In addition, a Carluccio’s Counter will also launch in June in the Sainsbury’s Leamington Spa superstore, offering the brand’s deli products and pizza. Deli products include pasta, olive oils and sauces alongside chilled stone-baked pizzas. Hot ready-to-eat items, including made-to-order pizza and rotisserie chicken will be available to take away, as well as for delivery via Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat. The third concept being trialled is the Restaurant Hub, a multi-brand offer with grab-and-go and delivery options from brands including Caffe Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Slim Chickens, Harry Ramsden’s and Ed’s Easy Diner. The Restaurant Hub will open in July in Sainsbury’s Selly Oak superstore. Carluccio’s was acquired by Boparan Restaurant Group in May 2020. Sainsbury’s and Boparan will listen closely to customer feedback in all three stores before deciding any next steps. Boparan managing director Satnam Leihal said: “Our customers tell us they love our brands and would like to access them more regularly and be part of their family home occasions. This trial with Sainsbury’s allows us to bring our range of high-quality products to more customers, more often, in varied formats.” Rhian Bartlett, food commercial director at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re testing these new offers as part of our plan to put food back at the heart of Sainsbury’s – bringing even more innovative and delicious food and drink to our stores.” Supporting the launches will be Carluccio’s first app, allowing ordering, delivery, menu access and location finding as well providing users with a loyalty mechanic. The move follows the news on Tuesday (11 May) Pret A Manger is set to open sites in Tesco stores beginning in June at the Tesco superstore in Kensington, west London, with another three to follow this summer.