Yo! Sushi, Wagamama reopen more outlets for socially-distanced dining
Other chains feature a one-way system and Perspex screens.
A series of chains are now allowing customers to dine-in since 4 July, the date set for the reopening of restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars.
Yo! Sushi reopened five of its sites across England, with more to open in the coming weeks. The sites feature a new and improved ‘kaiten’ conveyor belt aimed to provide a “personal, contactless” dining experience.
Guests are able to take a picture of a QR code and order and pay for their food through the digital menu on their phone, courtesy of a platform enabled by Vita Mojo. An interactive traffic light system turns amber to tell customers when their food is on its way and green when the food arrives in front of them. Drinks will also arrive to guests on the belt.
Customers will also be guided to seats, said to be at a safe distance from their neighbours, avoiding the need for plastic screens.
Wagamama is testing sliding screens inspired by Japanese partition designs at four of their stores.
If proven successful for both customers and staff, the chain said it will have 18 restaurants open by the end of July that will be followed by a “staged plan'' (which) will hopefully see all restaurants open by early September.”
Marks & Spencer has reopened 118 of its restaurants for dine-in, featuring a one-way system to limit contact and signage to remind customers to maintain social distancing, with Perspex screens installed at each café till.
Limiting reservations for groups of up to six at any time of day, including evenings, Dishoom’s restaurants in Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Carnaby and Manchester will open on 10 July.
Dishoom Edinburgh will open a week later, 17 July whilst Dishoom Kensington will open a further week after that, on 24 July.
Caffe Concerto said it has reopened its branches with contactless ordering and a “more spacious” seating plan.
EL&N has also reopened all outlets for dine-in, whilst Pho is reopening 10 of its sites throughout the month, with more stores slated for reopening on August and September.
The Bone Daddies Group, which comprises the eponymous ramen restaurants, Shack-Fuyu and Flesh & Buns, reopened for seven-day trading at all restaurants, with some items at reduced prices.
Fast casual pasta chain Pastaio reopened its outlets in Westfield and Soho, extensive discounts for NHS staff, students amongst others.
