Pret a Manger

Julian Metcalfe and Simon Woodroffe opened the first Pret a Manger in Notting Hill, London, in 1983 with a simple goal: serve fresh sandwiches that tasted like they were made at home. The name comes from the French phrase prêt à manger, meaning ready to eat, which captured their vision of high-quality meals available instantly. This approach quickly resonated with busy Londoners who wanted better options than standard fast food.

The brand expanded rapidly across the UK before crossing the Atlantic to establish a strong foothold in major US cities like New York and Washington D.C. By 2017, the founders sold a majority stake to JAB Holding Company, a German investment group that also owns Panera Bread and Dunkin'. Under new ownership, Pret continued its aggressive growth strategy, opening hundreds of locations globally while maintaining its focus on organic ingredients and sustainability.

In 2026, the company adapted to economic pressures by introducing value-focused menus like the $10 meal and expanding into high-traffic airport terminals such as Vancouver International Airport. Despite closing some underperforming urban stores, Pret remains a dominant force in the fast-casual sector, known for its clean white storefronts, green branding, and commitment to donating unsold food to charity partners. [edit]