Pret A Manger Trials New Shop Concept for Hybrid Workers

Pret A Manger, long a popular choice for busy office professionals and commuters looking for a quick meal or coffee, is rolling out a new store concept designed to accommodate a more leisurely dining experience. This shift comes as the company aims to leverage the rising trend of hybrid working models.

Testing will take place at locations in Broughty Ferry near Dundee and Maidenhead in Berkshire. The new format will focus less on “grab-and-go” meals and instead promote a dine-in atmosphere, featuring more spacious seating for customers.

Clare Clough, managing director for Pret UK and Ireland, noted that the pandemic has significantly altered workplace habits, suggesting that these changes are likely to persist. She stated, “The hybrid working model gives us more confidence in more towns.”

The trial menu will include made-to-order items such as a caprese melt and a croque monsieur. Unlike standard Pret locations, which prioritize ready-to-eat options, these shops will feature only one refrigerated shelf, allowing staff to prepare fresh baguettes throughout the day. The environment will also include full ceramic dishware and a designated play area for children, branded as the Little Star Cafe.

Each trial shop will include a large “community table”, which Pret envisions as a place for local gatherings, such as meetings for mothers or knitting clubs.

Pret anticipates that these regional locations will play a vital role in its expansion strategy, aiming for a network of 1,000 stores across the country to bolster its national presence.

Clough expressed confidence in the potential growth areas, stating, “The white space opportunity for the brand is substantial, and we know we need to slightly adapt our model.” She emphasized that quicker service and the grab-and-go concept, which are crucial in larger cities, may not resonate as strongly in smaller towns where patrons expect a more relaxed dining experience.

Notably, over 80% of Pret’s openings since the beginning of 2023 have occurred outside of London.

While Clough recognizes continued growth opportunities in London and other major UK cities, she anticipates that these new-format shops “will become a significant portion of the estate in the future,” potentially exceeding 100 locations.

As for potential target areas, she mentioned, “The list is long. There are many regional towns across the UK where we’re not yet present, but we would love to be.”

Pret operates 500 locations in the UK and Ireland, with an additional 66 in the US, 100 in Europe, and another 66 throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Founded by Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham, the first Pret outlet opened in London on Victoria Street in 1986. In 2018, the company was acquired by Germany’s JAB Holding Company for £1.5 billion from Bridgepoint.