Pret A Manger
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Pret A Manger (French for "ready to eat", a reference to "prêt à porter" (ready-to-wear) as distinct from "bespoke"; informally known as Pret) is a British sandwich retailer. Since January 2007, a number of stores have been branded simply as "Pret".[1]
The company was founded in London in 1986 by friends Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe (who later founded the Itsu chain of sushi cafes), the duo having met while studying property law at the Polytechnic of Central London. The company's marketing claims a passion for food, and that all items are made from natural ingredients. The company says that all sandwiches are made on the day of purchase in a kitchen at each location, and that those left unsold at the end of the day are collected by charities that provide food to the homeless. Sandwiches are packaged in cardboard rather than sealed plastic, to emphasize that they are fresh and cannot be kept overnight.
In 2001 McDonald's bought a 33% non-controlling stake in the USA branch of the company. Pret then expanded to New York (10 stores), Hong Kong (10 stores) and Washington DC (1 store). Unlike other fast food outlets, Pret A Manger refuses to franchise. 85% of their trade is in London, where around three-quarters of their stores are located.
The menu includes sandwiches, filled baguettes, soup, salad, and coffee. Pret also prepares desserts, such as American muffins, cakes, and croissants. As of November 2006, there were 155 UK shops, 118 in London.
Pret A Manger's sole Singapore outlet, opened in 2006 and located in the Ogilvy Centre on Robinson Road in the Central Business District, appeared to have closed permanently as of 2 January 2008.
In Hong Kong, there are 10 Pret A Manger outlets, as of November 14, 2008.[2]
In New York, there are 19 Pret A Manger outlets, as of December 30, 2008.[3]
In Washington DC the one and only Pret A Manger outlet is open as of January 20, 2009.[4] According to employees, the next Washington outlet is expected to open near Union Station.
In February 2008 the founders sold Pret a Manger for £345 million to a private equity firm called Bridgepoint and the US investment bank Goldman Sachs; they will however retain 25% of the company with the management.[5]
[edit] Staff
In 1998, the company employed 1,400 people, of whom 19% were from Britain and 60% were from other European Union countries, mainly in Eastern Europe. Pret a Manger employ 1 in every 14 applicants. Applicants go on a one-day experience day at a shop and their success is determined by the other staff members who vote the applicant in or not. Many managers and senior executives have come from within the company.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Pret a Manger website
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ http://www.examiner.com/x-1236-DC-Dining-Examiner~y2009m1d18-Pret-a-sneak-peek
- ^ Pret a Manger to be sold to private equity, The Telegraph, 23 February 2008
- ^ The Economist: Employment: A new mix - In London, almost one in every nine workers is a foreign citizen. September 24, 1998
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pret A Manger |
- Official website
- Guardian article: Mine's a McLatte
- Fast Company articles:Recipe for Reinvention
