Pret A Manger opens its first-ever drive-through as sandwich chain takes on McDonald’s and Starbucks by offering its curbside menu
Pret A Manger has opened its first ever drive-through location as the chain attempts to take on more established roadside rivals such as McDonald’s and Starbucks.
The new 2,000 sq ft outlet near Junction 21 of the M6 for Warrington in Cheshire marks the sandwich and coffee shop company’s first foray into petrol stations.
Pret traditionally focused on shopping streets, airports and train stations, but is launching the new location in collaboration with gas station operator Motor Fuel Group.
Bosses said the drive-through has a single-lane ordering system with a digital menu, in addition to indoor seating for up to 48 customers, EV charging and toilets.
The outlet at BP Oakwood Gate petrol station in Birchwood is aimed at both local customers and a stopover for motorists traveling through the North West.
The move is also part of efforts to expand outside London, where it is popular among commuters – with the most recent openings taking place outside the capital.
Data from market research firm Meaningful Vision, published last year, showed that Britain now has 2,681 drive-throughs, including 300 in the last two years.
The biggest player is McDonald’s with more than 1,000 drive-through locations in Britain – well ahead of KFC, Starbucks, Burger King, Costa and Greggs.
Pret A Manger has opened its first drive-through location near Warrington in Cheshire
The outlet targets both local customers and stops for traveling motorists
The new outlet is located at the BP Oakwood Gate petrol station in Birchwood, close to Junction 21 of the M6
Pret is launching the new location in collaboration with gas station operator Motor Fuel Group
Bosses said the drive-through will have a single-lane ordering system with a digital menu
Pret UK and Ireland president Ross Warnes said: “Travel hubs and roadside locations offer a huge growth opportunity for Pret. It’s about meeting customers where they are, while continuing to deliver the same freshly prepared food and service.”
Jack Tindall, Motor Fuel Group’s head of foodservice, said: ‘We know how much the people of Warrington love great coffee, and we’re excited to bring Pret’s freshly prepared food and barista drinks to them.
‘From freshly baked croissants to sandwiches, salads and organic coffee, this new store offers everything customers love about Pret, designed for modern on-the-go travel.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of the launch of this new format for Pret and look forward to serving the Warrington community.”
Pret was founded in London in 1986 by Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham. It was bought by German investor JAB Holdings in 2018 for around £1.5 billion.
The chain employs around 6,100 staff in the UK and currently has 500 outlets across the country, including 250 in London and 220 in transport hubs.
In June last year, Pret announced it would launch new stores with made-to-order food and more dining space as part of its regional expansion efforts.
The company said these would be different to most stores in London, where it mainly sells ‘grab-and-go’ products, typically serving customers within a minute.
Pret has a subscription service called ‘Club Pret’ which gives members 50 per cent off up to five hot or iced barista drinks every day, for £5 per month.