Morrisons Café Closures: Why Supermarket Dining is Disappearing

Morrisons Café Store Closures: What’s Behind the Shutdowns?

In recent months, Morrisons, one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, has announced the closure of several of its in-store cafés. This decision has left many customers disappointed and questioning the future of supermarket dining spaces. But what’s really behind these closures? Is it a sign of changing consumer habits, economic pressures, or a strategic shift for Morrisons?

The Announcement and Immediate Impact

Morrisons confirmed the closure of a number of its cafés across the UK, affecting both staff and loyal customers who relied on these spaces for affordable meals. The supermarket chain, which operates around 400 cafés, has not disclosed the exact number of closures but stated that the decision was part of a broader review of its business operations.

For many, Morrisons cafés were a staple—offering hearty, budget-friendly meals like the famous "Market Kitchen" breakfasts and traditional British dishes. The closures have sparked concern among employees, with reports of potential job losses, though Morrisons has stated that it will try to redeploy affected staff where possible.

Why Are Morrisons Cafés Closing?

1. Changing Consumer Habits

One of the biggest factors behind the closures is the shift in how people dine. The rise of coffee shop chains like Costa, Starbucks, and Pret A Manger has transformed the café landscape. Many consumers now prefer specialty coffee and trendy brunch spots over traditional supermarket cafés.

Additionally, the post-pandemic world has seen more people working from home, reducing footfall in supermarket cafés that once relied on midday shoppers and workers on lunch breaks.

2. Economic Pressures

Running in-store cafés is expensive. Rising food costs, energy bills, and staffing challenges have squeezed profit margins. Supermarkets must weigh whether maintaining these spaces is financially viable, especially when many customers now opt for quick grab-and-go options rather than sit-down meals.

3. Strategic Business Refocus

Morrisons, like other supermarkets, is constantly evaluating its operations. The company was acquired by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in 2021, which has been looking to streamline the business. This could mean focusing more on core grocery operations rather than peripheral services like cafés.

4. Competition from Other Supermarkets

Rivals like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have also scaled back their café offerings in recent years, with some transitioning to partnerships with brands like Costa Coffee. Morrisons may be reassessing whether its cafés can compete effectively in this evolving market.

What Does This Mean for Customers and Staff?

Regular café-goers will feel the loss of a convenient, affordable dining option. Many Morrisons cafés were popular with older shoppers and families looking for a cheap meal out. The closures may push customers toward other eateries, but for some, the absence of a low-cost, no-frills café will be a blow.

For Employees

Job security is a major concern. While Morrisons has pledged to find alternative roles for affected staff within stores, not all workers may be able to transition smoothly. The uncertainty adds stress to an already challenging retail environment.

Is This the End of Supermarket Cafés?

Not necessarily. While some locations are closing, Morrisons has not announced a complete shutdown of all its cafés. Instead, this seems to be a strategic reduction in underperforming locations. Other supermarkets have taken similar steps—M&S, for example, has partnered with Costa, while Waitrose has introduced more upmarket dining options.

There’s still a market for supermarket cafés, particularly those that offer good value and convenience. However, they may need to adapt—perhaps by introducing more premium options, faster service, or healthier meals to keep up with modern expectations.

Conclusion

The closure of Morrisons cafés reflects broader trends in retail and dining. Economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and strategic business decisions are all playing a role. While it’s sad to see these familiar spaces go, it’s a reminder of how quickly the retail landscape is changing.

For now, Morrisons fans will have to make the most of the remaining cafés—or find a new spot for their fried breakfast fix. One thing is clear: the era of the traditional supermarket café is evolving, and only those that adapt will survive.

What do you think about Morrisons closing its cafés? Will you miss them, or have you already moved on to other options? Let us know in the comments.