Pret A Manger enters self-service coffee scene with new ‘Express’ format
The chain, whose city centre outlets were hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions, describes the move as the next step in its ‘transformation” strategy.
Pret A Manger announced it is testing a new self-service coffee-to-go format as part of its existing partnership with beverage company JDE Peet’s.
The sandwich and coffee chain says the Pret Express model will be introduced in convenience stores, forecourts, universities, healthcare facilities and workplaces. Each station can create up to 21 drink recipes and possesses its own cashless payment terminal and service package.
JDE Peet’s will provide the self-service technology and capabilities, with bespoke furniture designed exclusively for Pret.
The chain, whose city centre outlets were hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions, describes the move as the next step in its ‘transformation” strategy, which includes a plan to 200 new UK shops over the next two years.
Pret recently announced plans to double the size of its business within the next five years and is aiming to hire at least 3,000 staff by the end of 2023.
“This is new territory for Pret, which will allow more people across the country to enjoy Pret’s organic coffee and tea on the go, in places where there isn’t the right space to set up a new Pret shop,” Pret A Manger UK trading director Guy Meakin said in a statement.
The launch of Pret Express also follows the introduction of Pret’s retail coffee beans and aluminium capsule ranges under its partnership with JDE Peet’s.
