Mayo Clinic says staffing shortages and low demand has forced it to close the employee cafeterias on weekends at Saint Marys and Methodist hospitals, according to an article on the Post-Bulletin website.

Visitors still will be able to eat at the main cafeterias.

"The move is expected to be temporary," according to internal Mayo communication. A letter posted for employees said the change is being implemented because Mayo's plan to transition from Sodexo to Morrison Healthcare had left some coverage gaps in the schedule as workers have transferred to other departments.

The actual cafeteria still will be available for staff use and complimentary continental breakfast will be offered weekends.

Mayo is expected to complete the transition to Morrison in the next 12 to 18 months, at which point about 350 food-service workers in Rochester will be subcontracted through Morrison. 

Read the article.