Pret A Manger has caf\u00e9s everywhere \u2013 high streets, shopping malls,\u00a0railway stations, airports, petrol stations. If you live in London, where Pret seems to occupy at least one site every few hundred\u00a0metres, you\u2019re probably sick of the sight of it. But there\u2019s one place it has yet to venture.\u00a0The ubiquitous coffee chain has its sights set on joining the likes of Costa and Starbucks and launching its very first drive-thru.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pret first revealed that it was exploring\u00a0the prospect of opening drive-thrus in November. In an interview with the\u00a0Sunday Times, the brand\u2019s\u00a0chief exec Pano Christou said that it was discussing the idea because Pret\u2019s \u2018offer [of fresh products] is so different to everyone else\u2019. He reckons there\u2019s potential for up to 400 travel locations, whether they be airport kiosks or roadside drive-thrus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We now know that Pret\u2019s first drive-thru will launch in May, though it\u2019s still not clear where it\u2019ll pop up. The site will be opened in partnership with Motor Fuel Group, the UK\u2019s largest forecourt operator. Finally, you\u2019ll be able to pick a posh cheddar and pickle baguette without leaving the comfort of your car.\u00a0There are 60 walk-in roadside Pret locations at the moment,\u00a0with\u00a030\u00a0more, including drive-thrus, on the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The latest update comes as Pret works on introducing a number of different formats across the country. It opened two fresh format regional coffeeshops in Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) and Maidenhead in Berkshire last year,\u00a0putting more\u00a0focus into\u00a0dining in with made-to-order-food, more comfortable seating, a full crockery service and a children\u2019s play area.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The brand is\u00a0set to launch that same format\u00a0at its existing store in Henley-on-Thames and at a new (currently undisclosed) site in the north of England.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Overall, Pret has ambitions to\u00a0boost its\u00a0number of UK sites from 500 to 1,500, with a\u00a0focus on travel-based locations like airports and service stations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ICYMI:\u00a0This legendary Swiss bakery is opening its first British location this month<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plus:\u00a0Popular American restaurant chain Chili\u2019s is set to launch in the UK<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n