Benugo secured the partnership following a two-year competitive process and will take on the management of 32 in-store restaurants including all Place to Eat locations, which will be redesigned.
The revitalised spaces will focus on fresh, high-quality food, welcoming spaces and well-trained teams delivering friendly, everyday hospitality. The restaurants will operate under a new name and brand, which will be unveiled as the first sites open this summer.
Menus will combine familiar customer favourites with new seasonal dishes, including bakery, deli and handmade pizza options. Benugo will place renewed emphasis on locally sourced ingredients with a strong focus on working with trusted suppliers, alongside the creativity and innovation for which it is known.
Ben Warner, founder of Benugo, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with John Lewis, and we’re excited to be growing it to create an exciting new brand. At Benugo, we care deeply about great food made with fresh, quality ingredients that are thoughtfully sourced and rooted in local suppliers.
“What matters just as much to us is the people. As we expand our work together, we’ll be working closely with the Partners, sharing our focus on training and experience so the teams feel supported and confident to deliver the warm, welcoming hospitality that both Benugo and John Lewis are known for.”
The first six locations being transformed are scheduled to re-open from summer 2026, including a flagship space on the fifth floor of John Lewis Oxford Street. Works at Bluewater, Chichester, Norwich, Nottingham and Reading are set to begin between May and June, with the full estate expected to transition by 2027.