Pret A Manger is gearing up to launch its first drive-thru in the UK, aiming to compete with established coffee chains like Costa and Starbucks who have already embraced this concept. The chain’s leader, Pano Christou, revealed plans to expand into more locations at motorway services and airports, envisioning the potential for 300 to 400 Pret travel spots in the future.
The inaugural Pret drive-thru is slated to debut in the first quarter of 2026, although the exact location remains undisclosed, with expectations pointing towards a motorway service site. Christou expressed the company’s unique offering of fresh products as the driving force behind exploring drive-thru outlets.
While no detailed plans have been finalized, the move to establish drive-thru locations will align Pret with major coffee players like Starbucks and Costa, who have successfully rolled out numerous drive-thru sites across the UK. Starbucks introduced its first UK drive-thru in Cardiff in 2008, followed by Costa in Nottingham in 2011, with both brands now boasting over 300 such outlets each nationwide.
In contrast, Pret originated in London in 1986, blossoming into a network of over 700 stores spanning 21 countries. Besides drive-thrus, Pret is also looking to introduce meal deals, with trials expected by the end of this year. While supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have long offered meal deals, recent inflation led to price hikes on these popular lunch options.
Christou highlighted the evolution of Pret’s customer base, emphasizing the brand’s broader appeal and democratization over the years. Reflecting on his journey from assistant manager in 2019 to heading the chain, Christou underscored the brand’s transformation and inclusive approach to attracting diverse customers.