Thu 15th Aug 2024 - WHSmith opens first own-brand cafe in food-to-go push, plans rollout WHSmith opens first own-brand cafe in food-to-go push, plans rollout: Retailer WHSmith has launched its first own-brand café, Smith’s Kitchen – with plans to roll it out to travel locations in the UK in the near future. The retailer opened the first site under the new café format in Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, today (Thursday, 15 August), just three months after it launched its first food-to-go range. The 26-cover, 495 square-foot café sells coffee, tea, iced drinks as well as hot breakfast choices, fresh pastries and cakes. It is the first time WHSmith’s own-brand store and food-to-go range have been brought together under one roof, with plans for the combined offer to roll out across more travel locations in the UK in the near future. UK travel is the largest division in WHSmith, operating 590 stores across the UK in airports, hospitals and railway stations. The company said that with passenger numbers increasing, it is focused on becoming a “one-stop-shop for travel essentials”. It said that food-to-go and meal deals are one of the key reasons customers shop with WHSmith, with more than 11 million meal deals made from in excess of 900,000 product combinations sold by the retailer each year. WHSmith UK travel managing director Andrew Harrison said: “Whether it’s in a hospital or on their journeys, customers tell us that quality food and drink options are what they prioritise most in the different locations we serve. That’s why we have been doubling down on our food ranges and formats to ensure our customers don’t need to compromise on quality or value, as demonstrated today with the launch of Smith’s Kitchen. With the opening of our first own-brand café coming hot on the heels of our newly launched own-brand food range, this shows the pace of innovation across our business and commitment to delivering quality experiences and products at WHSmith for our customers and partners.” WHSmith prepared for its entry into the food-to-go market by taking out an unlimited Propel Premium Club subscription in May. It is also sending four key executives to the Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party next month as it look to enhance its understanding of the market. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up. Operators can claim up to three free places per company for the Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party by emailing jo.charity@propelinfo.com