New Pret a Manger owner backs company’s CEO after teenager died from allergic reaction to baguette September 30, 2018 Pret a Manger’s new owner has stood by the food chain’s pressured CEO Clive Schlee after a teenager died from an allergic reaction to one of the company’s baguettes. The coroner investigating the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse concluded allergy labelling on Pret’s products was inadequate. JAB, a Luxembourg-based German-owned investor, announced its acquisition of Pret in [...]
Itsu takes a bite out of its losses despite heavy growth investment September 30, 2018 The founder of fast food chain Itsu has claimed “food is the new fashion”, after the company saw its end-of-year losses fall despite investments in overseas expansion. Itsu, which is known for its Asian-influenced food, particularly sushi and rice dishes, saw raw sales growth of 10 per cent last year, with pre-tax losses dropping to £8.9m, [...]
Amazon reportedly planning 3,000 cashierless convenience stores September 20, 2018 Online retail giant Amazon is reportedly planning to open 3,000 cashierless stores over the next few years as it bulks up its bricks-and-mortar retail presence. Amazon could aggressively expand its Amazon Go brand with plans to open 10 locations by the end of this year, according to Bloomberg, with 50 locations in major cities by [...]
Pret a Manger float? No IPO appetite from owners Bridgepoint August 9, 2015 Bridgepoint, the private equity owner of Pret a Manger, has poured cold water on a report that it could potentially float the lunchtime favourite of City workers. The sandwich chain already has interest from potential bidders, Reuters reports, and is considering a market listing for 2016, maybe in the US, citing unnamed sources. A Bridgepoint [...]
Pret A Manger thriving on a macaroni diet April 21, 2015 Quinoa and coffee are the order of the day, Clive Schlee tells Jenny Forsyth PRET A Manger boss Clive Schlee is talking quickly and excitedly. Perhaps he’s just feeling upbeat about the British cafe chain’s record yearly figures – showing a total sales rise of 16 per cent to £594m. Or maybe he’s had a [...]
Pret A Manger trials fine dining in a bid to boost evening trade April 8, 2015 PRET A Manger has delighted its devoted customer base by trialling a sit-down service in the evening at one of its London branches. The ubiquitous British sandwich and coffee chain started its trail run at its Strand branch two weeks ago after six months of preparation. The group is looking for ways to maximise revenues [...]
Pret A Manger for dinner? Lunch hotspot tries out evening dining menu in Strand April 8, 2015 The saviour of stomachs across the city come lunchtime is branching out with a Pret A Manger "after dark" concept. Never again need you eat anywhere other than Pret – the chain has begun serving up all the major meals in the form of breakfast, lunch and – now – dinner, with a new evening [...]