Safeway is experimenting with an instore restaurant concept called Cafe Fresco as it expands its Fresh to Go' operations. The licensed bistro style restaurant is already on trial at the High Wycombe superstore and is to roll out to Woking on May 16. The concept will be added to 40 superstores over the next two years at a cost to Safeway of £25m. Cafe Fresco will eventually replace as many as possible of Safeway's coffee shops. Safeway Communications director Kevin Hawkins said: "We aim to refit the whole of the portfolio in the next two to three years. We are trialling ideas for Cafe Fresco and will refine it to add to as many of our 200 over 25,000ft stores as possible." The Cafe is open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, even when the store is closed. It is divided from the supermarket by sliding doors. The launch format features pizza oven, grill bar, fresh pasta counter and expresso and cappuccino bar. Food is priced from under £1 to £6.99. The design features includes an outside terrace. Live music will play at times. Chief executive Carlos Criado-Perez said: "We think everyone will love Cafe Fresco ­ the relaxing Mediterranean feel and the theatre of fresh food being prepared in front of you." {{NEWS }}

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