Pret A Manger scraps 10-year franchise deal in Israel

The brand initially planned to open 40 outlets in the market.

Pret A Manger has ended its plans to open in Israel, citing ‘significant ongoing travel restrictions’ hindering the brand from conducting 'the checks and training needed to set up Pret in a new market’.

In January 2023, Pret announced that it has partnered with Tel Aviv-based retailer Fox Group and restaurant operator Yarzin Sella Group for a 10-year franchise deal, with 40 outlets planned to open in Israel by 2033.

Fox Group said in a statement to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, that Pret had activated a ‘force majeure’ clause, which allows a party to negate contractual obligations due to extreme and unforeseeable circumstances.

"We have taken the difficult decision to end our current agreement with Fox Group and Yarzin Sella Group. The significant ongoing travel restrictions have meant that our teams have not been able to conduct the checks and training needed to set up Pret in a new market. Under the terms of Pret's travel insurance, any colleagues travelling to Israel would not be insured,” a Pret spokesperson said.