Pret A Manger leans into drive-thrus

Pret A Manger is looking to open its first drive-thru location in early 2026, according to its chief executive. Pano Christou told The Sunday Times the coffee and sandwich chain sees the potential for "300 to 400 travel locations" across airports, stations and motorway services. Pret launched its first motorway services branch in 2016, which has since grown to roughly 60 sites.

There are now plans to add another 30 roadside sites next year. Its first drive-thru, which is expected to open "in the first three months of 2026", will most likely be operated by a franchise partner at a motorway services. It would join the roster of hospitality brands moving into drive-thrus, such as Caffe Nero, which launched its first 24-hour drive-thru last year[1], as well as North-American chains Popeyes,[2] Wendy's[3] and Tim Hortons[4], all of which have opened drive-thru restaurants since 2021 as part of their UK expansion plans.

Costa and Starbucks both entered the drive-through market in the UK over a decade ago, while Greggs[5] and Leon[6] have launched sites in recent years. The drive for convenience and speed comes amid Pret's plans to trial a new meal deal format[7]. Earlier this month, the chain said it will test the format in the final quarter of 2025 in a bid to provide more "value-driven" offers for customers.

Pret has not specified how much the deal will cost, but The Guardian reported it will include a croissant and coffee for breakfast; crisps and a bread-based sandwich; and any lunch main with a snack and drink. The launch follows a mixed set of results for Pret, which was acquired by Panera Bread owner JAB Holdings for GBP1.5b in 2018. Pret's worldwide sales grow 10% to GBP1.2b in the 12 months to 2 January 2025, while adjusted EBITDA grew 36% to GBP98m.

However, the chain reported a pre-tax loss of GBP525.5m last year after being hit by a GBP552.9m write down, which the company said took into account the "uncertain" global economic environment and additional costs introduced in the UK's 2024 Autumn Budget, according to The Guardian.

Pret now operates over 700 worldwide stores, a growth of 11% in 2024.

References

1. ^ Caffe Nero, which launched its first 24-hour drive-thru last year (www.thecaterer.com)
2. ^ Popeyes, (www.thecaterer.com)
3. ^ Wendy's (www.thecaterer.com)
4. ^ Tim Hortons (www.thecaterer.com)
5. ^ Greggs (www.thecaterer.com)
6. ^ Leon (www.thecaterer.com)
7. ^ Pret's plans to trial a new meal deal format (www.thecaterer.com)