Global F&B operator SSP Group has launched a new travel-focused café and retail store concept into the UK travel sector.

Café Local has been developed for regional railway stations across the country including in Fratton, Exeter, Reading, Dover and Sheffield.

The first fifteen Café Local stores have already opened at stations around the UK.

A flagship store recently inaugurated in Peterborough and SSP plans to rollout a further 15 shops under the brand in the coming 12 months.

The hybrid units serve up barista coffee; a selection of cakes, baked goods, paninis and toasties; coupled with a broad range of retail merchandise.

Travellers passing through the stations daily can browse from confectionery, sandwiches, cold drinks, alcohol and travel essentials.

In a statement, SSP says the concept meets the demands of regional railway stations, where frequently there are limited outlets for passengers and staff to shop.

Café Local’s design features graphics of the local skyline, with a colour scheme of blue and yellow.

Community boards offering opportunities for local groups and clubs to promote events or provide relevant information to local passengers are also available.

Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to upgrade our regional rail offer with the new Café Local brand, which is already proving to be a success with customers.

“With one-stop convenience, Café Local meets a broad spectrum of customer needs under a single roof, and we very much look forward to opening more outlets in the coming months.”

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