Pret A Manger opens the world's first drive-thru: how this will change the coffee shop market.

According to The Sun: Pret A Manger is trying to reach a new level by planning the opening of its first drive-thru. This decision aims to compete with giants like Starbucks and Costa, who are already actively implementing this format.

This move indicates intentions to expand the network at gas stations and airports. CEO Pano Christou believes there is potential to open between 300 to 400 such facilities at tourist locations.

The first drive-thru is planned to open within the first three months of 2026. Most likely, it will appear at a gas station, although the exact location has not yet been determined.

Development of New Formats

Emphasizing this initiative, the CEO of PRET noted:

“We are exploring this. Because we believe that our offering [of fresh products] is fundamentally different from all the others.”

The opening of the drive-thru will allow PRET to join major coffee chains Starbucks and Costa, which already have hundreds of such locations across the country. Starbucks opened its first drive-thru in the UK in Cardiff in 2008, while Costa opened theirs in Nottingham in 2011. Both chains offer their customers more than 300 such locations in the UK.

Pret A Manger began its operations in London in 1986 and currently has over 700 stores in 21 countries.

The shift towards the drive-thru format is also accompanied by an announcement to expand in the lunch segment – in the last three months of this year, the company plans to test a new meal deal format.

Changes in Pricing Policy

Large supermarkets have long offered lunches at attractive prices. However, companies like Tesco and Sainsbury's recently raised their prices due to ongoing inflation. For example, the price of a standard lunch at Tesco rose from £4 to £4.25 for customers without a Clubcard, and for cardholders, it increased from £3.60 to £3.85. At Sainsbury's, the premium lunch became more expensive by 50 pence, and the standard one increased from £3.75 to £3.95 back in June.

Currently, the price for the planned lunch from PRET has not been disclosed.

The company's expansion towards the drive-thru and meal deal emphasizes the words of CEO Pano Christou about PRET's evolution over the years.

“When I joined PRET, it was a long time ago; we had a very specific customer base — mainly office workers. Now we have a much broader customer base, and I think the brand has become more democratic.”

Christou has led PRET since 2019, starting his career as an assistant manager in central London at the age of 22.

How to Save Money on Eating Out

There are several ways to save when dining out. Here’s how:

Discount Codes – Check websites like Sun Vouchers or VoucherCodes for discount codes that you can use.

Tastecard – This is a club where you need to pay for access to discounts of up to 50% in thousands of restaurants. The cost is £4.99 per month or £34.99 per year.

Loyalty Programs – Some restaurants reward you with discounts or free meals if you sign up for their loyalty program.

Voucher Schemes – Keep an eye out for offers from third-party companies like Meerkat Meals, which offer discounts on certain meals.

Student Discounts – If you are a full-time student or a member of the National Union of Students, you can get a discount of up to 15% off your bill.

Thus, Pret A Manger is actively implementing new service formats, trying to attract a larger audience. Given the trends in the market and the growing competition, the company has every chance to reach a new level and become sought after among consumers who value speed and quality of service.