Pret A Manger trials new ‘family-friendly’ format aimed at hybrid workers

Pret A Manger is to trial a new shop format aimed at hybrid workers as it targets expansion outside of London.

The café chain is testing a new ‘family-friendly’ version of its stores in Dundee and Maidenhead with more space for dine-in customers and a play area for young children.

While Pret’s London stores typically serve customers with grab-and-go food in less than a minute, the new format will see menu items made to order.

Dishes will be served on full porcelain crockery, and the sites will feature a long counter where diners can watch their food being made.

New menu items will include hot ciabattas and sourdough toasties such as a meatball and red pepper tapenade ciabatta sub and a caprese melt sourdough toastie, as well as new breakfast options such as cinnamon butter and banana sourdough toast and savoury croissants.

The new format has launched in a 78-seat café in Broughty Ferry, Dundee today (10 June) while an 87-seat site will launch in Maidenhead on 21 June.

The move comes as Pret looks to accelerate its growth outside London, where around half of its 500 UK stores are located.

Some 82% of Pret’s new sites since January 2023 have launched outside the capital and the group is increasingly focused on regional sites as more people work from home.

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.”

Pret’s franchise partners Hala Group (Maidenhead) and Joup Group (Dundee) will operate the new shops.

Last week it was reported Pret A Manger owner JAB Holding is working with advisors on plans to bring in new investment to the business, including the potential of an potential initial public offering (IPO).

JAB Holding acquired Pret A Manger for £1.5b in 2018 and is now looking at options of a listing and a stake sale, according to the Financial Times.