Macknade bosses unveil plans to reopen branch

Chiefs will limit the number of people in store at one time

Macknade has revealed plans to reopen its town centre branch.

The firm’s site in Elwick Place closed on March 26 but, two months on, owner Stefano Cuomo has announced it will be welcoming customers again “in early June”.

The closure due to the coronavirus pandemic came just over a month after its opening, which sparked a wave of interest in the town.

Despite its retail and restaurant facilities having been shut, a Macknade delivery service has been set up over the last couple of months.

In a message published on the firm’s Facebook page, Mr Cuomo said: “We are excited to announce that we are reopening our Elwick Place store in early June.

“This will initially be for retail only, with an extended range of items available including fruit & vegetables, fresh meat, cheese, charcuterie, wine and beer - and all your everyday staples.

“Please be assured that your safety is our number one priority and we are taking several steps to ensure you feel comfortable shopping with us.

“Much like our Faversham

Food Hall, we will be limiting the number of customers in-store and encouraging contactless payment wherever possible.

“The look and feel of the space is slightly different to the preCovid world, but this by no means impacts the Macknade experience you’ve come to know and love.

“Thank you for all your patience and support.”

The Faversham site has already reopened, with social distancing and renewed hygiene measures in place.

A number of measures have been unveiled for the Elwick Place branch - which is underneath the Picturehouse cinema - including a cap on the number of customers allowed into the shop at any one time.

Staff will be given hand sanitiser, masks and gloves, as well as daily Covid-19 briefings.

Floor signage, an amended layout and the promotion of contactless payments will also be employed to lower the risk of spreading infection.

‘The look and feel of the space is slightly different...’

Macknade opened at Elwick Place in March