The UK will soon see the debut of Pret A Manger’s first drive-thru establishment as part of the brand’s strategy to compete with established coffee chains like Costa and Starbucks. Pano Christou, the head of Pret, revealed plans to expand into more locations, including motorway services and airports, with a potential for 300 to 400 Pret travel sites in the future.
Scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, the inaugural Pret drive-thru location is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be situated at a motorway service area. Christou expressed enthusiasm for this development, highlighting the unique appeal of Pret’s fresh product offerings compared to competitors.
While no detailed plans have been finalized, the move towards drive-thru outlets aligns Pret with major coffee chains like Starbucks and Costa, which have established hundreds of drive-thru locations across the UK. Starbucks introduced its first UK drive-thru in Cardiff in 2008, followed by Costa in Nottingham in 2011, both expanding to over 300 sites each nationwide.
Originating in London in 1986, Pret has grown into a global brand with over 700 locations across 21 countries. In addition to drive-thru ventures, Pret is gearing up to introduce meal deals, with trials expected to commence later this year. Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have long offered meal deals, but recent inflation has led to price increases on these popular lunch options.
Christou reflected on Pret’s evolution, noting the broadening customer base and the brand’s inclusive appeal. Starting as an assistant manager in 2019, at age 22, at a central London branch, Christou has ascended to the position of chain head, illustrating his dedication to the company’s growth and development.