Pret A Manger boosts regional expansion with new shop format
Pret A Manger has announced the trial of a new store format where customers will be offered a more spacious, family-friendly environment with a made-to-order food and drink service suited to longer visits.
Due to be unveiled in Broughty Ferry and Maidenhead this month, the stores will have more space for dine-in customers, as well as a Little Stars Café play area for families with young children. The shops will also feature a longer counter to enable customers to watch their food being prepared and served on porcelain crockery.
Hot menu items made-to-order will include hot ciabattas and sourdough toasties like Meatball & Red Pepper Tapenade Ciabatta Sub and Caprese Melt Sourdough Toastie, as well as new breakfast options including Cinnamon Butter & Banana Sourdough Toast and savoury croissants. There will also be a sweet treats bakery range including tarts and cakes.
Meanwhile, the shop’s baristas will serve a lightly roasted organic coffee blend exclusive to the new format, in addition to Pret’s classic 100% organic Arabica coffee and selection of hot and cold drinks.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In contrast to Pret’s traditional stores, there will only be one ‘ready-to-go’ refrigerated shelf for customers purchasing food while on the move.
Pret is launching the trial as part of its ongoing expansion beyond London and its efforts to adapt the brand to evolving working patterns and lifestyles. The move coincides with Pret reaching 500 shops across the UK, with 82% of new locations opening outside London since January 2023.
The new format stores will be operated by Pret’s franchise partners Hala Group (Maidenhead) and Joup Group (Dundee).
Clare Clough, Pret’s managing director for UK & Europe, said: “Throughout the past five years, we’ve made it a priority to bring Pret to more people, whether you’re a City worker commuting to the office, a parent juggling work and family life, or someone catching up with friends.
“Now, we’re taking that further, making Pret a destination for customers in a bit less of a rush who want a comfortable space to enjoy delicious food and spend time with family and friends.
“Our teams have been hard at work making sure everything from the shop design to the unique menu items have been carefully thought through and we can’t wait to see how our customers respond.”
The Dundee and Maidenhead stores will open on 10 and 21 June respectively.
