SUPERMARKET chain Sainsbury's is to shut 200 in-store cafes in a move that will put around 2,000 jobs at risk.

But the cafes in the Rhyl and Wrexham stores are on the list of the 67 that will remain open for now.

The supermarket will also be consulting staff about plans to close less popular hot food counters in 34 stores and changes to how it runs bakeries in 54 branches.

It is part of ongoing restructuring by the retailer as it seeks to keep a lid on rising costs.

Sainsbury’s told staff at its cafes on Tuesday morning that it is proposing to close 200 sites in the spring.

It said workers affected by the closures will be prioritised for vacant roles in stores and will be encouraged to apply for jobs elsewhere in the business.

The remaining 67 in-store cafes - including the one on Plas Coch retail park in Wrexham - will stay open while the company reviews changes to its dining operations.

The cafe in the Rhyl store is also on the list of 67.

The other North East Wales Sainsbury's in Flint does not have an in-store cafe. There are also smaller Sainsbury's Local shops in Mold and Llandudno.

The company said it will also open 30 Starbucks sites in its supermarkets, as it seeks to overhaul its offer across 250 stores over the next three years.

Chief executive Simon Roberts said: “As we go through this period of transition, we have taken the difficult decision to close 200 of our cafes next month.

“We have spoken to all colleagues affected by these changes today and are absolutely committed to supporting them in any way we can during this uncertain time.

“Of course, we understand this is very unsettling for our colleagues, but we must keep adapting our business to make sure we are offering customers the best possible food and drink at affordable prices.

“We are totally focused on improving what we can deliver for our customers and, at the same time, working hard to make our business simpler.

“We are really excited about this new customer offer we will be rolling out over the next two to three years across many of our stores.”