Overview
- Pret A Manger is preparing its first UK drive-thru for May, according to reports published over the weekend.
- Local flyers point to a former Starbucks at Oakwood Gate services in Birchwood, Cheshire, though the company has not confirmed the site.
- The opening is reported to be in partnership with Motor Fuel Group, a major petrol forecourt operator.
- CEO Pano Christou has said Pret could add 300 to 400 travel locations as part of a plan to grow the UK estate toward about 1,500 shops from roughly 500 today.
- Outlets differ on how specific they get about the first site, with some naming Birchwood and others keeping it undisclosed, as Pret moves to compete with Costa and Starbucks’ established drive-thru networks.