Pret A Manger has brushed aside the economic concerns cited by many of its foodservice compatriots to open no fewer than 31 new shops already in 2018, displaying an appetite for growth that undoubtedly impressed new private equity owner JAB prior to it taking over the successful high street sandwich chain this year. New launches…
Pret CEO vows imminent “changes” to policies after allergen tragedy
Pret A Manger CEO Clive Schlee this morning vowed the chain would make imminent changes to the way it lists allergens in its stores following an inquest into the tragic death of a teenager who died after eating a baguette. 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse passed away in hospital after consuming a sandwich that contained sesame seeds,…
Pret and Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe insists apps aren’t the way to drive repeat business
Industry entrepreneur Julian Metcalfe OBE – the man who famously founded Pret a Manger and then Itsu – has outlined how values engrained in his companies have been the key ingredient in making them successful. Company values at Pret extend to shop-floor staff, who are authorised to give out “what they want when they want”…
Pret’s roll-out programme running at four stores a month
Pret A Manger has brushed aside the economic concerns cited by many of its foodservice compatriots and revealed it has opened 31 new shops already this year. The expansion – which represents the roll-out of almost four shops a month since the start of 2018 – spans both its UK and international business. New launches…
Pret switches to compostable cutlery after wooden knives and forks don’t cut it
Pret A Manger plans to introduce compostable cutlery to all its UK sites next year after trials involving wooden cutlery failed to impress customers. In the meantime, the chain is also testing keeping cutlery behind its tills to see if it leads to a reduction in the consumption of single-use plastic items. Clive Schlee,…
Pret and Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe pencilled in for Lunch
Julian Metcalfe, the founder of itsu and co-founder of Pret A Manger, will give his insight to the current state of the food-to-go sector at the forthcoming Lunch! show after being confirmed as the headline speaker. Mr Metcalfe, who is one of Britain’s most celebrated food-to-go entrepreneurs, will share his specialist knowledge and insight to…
BREAKING NEWS: Pret A Manger changes hands for an estimated £1.5 billion
Pret A Manger has been sold to investment firm JAB in a deal estimated to be worth £1.5 billion, it was announced this morning. JAB will acquire the British sandwich chain from Bridgepoint, with the transaction set to be completed during the summer. The new owner is well-versed in the grab-and-go food market due to…
Pret trials deposit scheme to eliminate unnecessary plastic from stores
Pret A Manager has revealed plans to trial a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles as it looks to play its part in cutting waste from its stores. The company is proposing that it adds 10p to the cost of drinks in plastic bottles, but will return the money for each unit that is returned.…
Pret creates kitchen to keep Eurostar passengers well-fed
Pret A Manger has opened the doors to a brand new on-site kitchen and cafe at the Eurostar departure lounge at London St Pancras. The store will offer the company’s popular menu of organic hot drinks and handmade food, prepared in the dedicated kitchen every day using fresh, high quality ingredients. Bart Misiala, general manager…
Pret branches with on-site kitchens to open at Roadchef motorway stations
Pret A Manger has agreed a partnership with Roadchef to bring new shops to the UK’s motorways. The first shop will open at Chester Motorway Service Area (MSA) on the M56 at junction 14 before Christmas, and a second site will open at Clacket Lane West MSA on the M25 between junction 5 and 6…
