Pret A Manger to open first stores in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Pret A Manger is to open sandwich shops in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for the first time as part of a major expansion drive.

The coffee chain has agreed terms with franchise partner Carebrook Partnership Ltd for the rollout.

It will see 20 shops open across the island of Ireland over the next decade, creating approximately 500 jobs.

The first site will open on Dawson Street in Dublin this summer and employ 25 people.

In 2021 Pret announced plans to double the size of its business within five years and launch into five new markets by the end of 2023. The group is aiming to hire at least 3,000 team members to drive its expansion worldwide.

Carebrook Partnership Ltd is one of Pret's longest serving franchise partners, having worked with the business for over 30 years, overseeing many shops in London.

Its majority co-owner Gerard Loughran grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary in Ireland and has over 30 years' experience in the UK and US food sector. Minority co-owner Ray McNamara from Dublin has 25 years' experience in the Irish food industry, including ownership of Ann's Bakery.

Pano Christou, chief executive at Pret A Manger said: "Setting up shop in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has been our plan for a long time, and we're thrilled that we're finally able to make it happen.

"There has long been demand from our neighbours on the island of Ireland to bring Pret's freshly prepared food and organic coffee, and now with the backing of Carebrook Partnership Ltd we're able to do so. We look forward to making this partnership a success."

Pret runs around 550 shops across the UK, US, France, Dubai, Hong Kong and Dubai. It employs nearly 8,000 team members globally, including 6,400 in the UK.

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