Pret A Manger Joins the Drive-Thru Race in 2026

Pret A Manger is preparing to open its first drive-thru location in early 2026, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion into more travel-focused and convenience-driven formats.

Chief executive Pano Christou told The Sunday Times that the coffee and sandwich chain sees scope for “300 to 400 travel locations” across airports, stations, and motorway services. Pret entered motorway service areas in 2016 and has since grown that presence to around 60 sites, with a further 30 roadside openings planned for next year.

The debut drive-thru is expected to launch within the first quarter of 2026. It will likely be operated by a franchise partner at a motorway services site. This move places Pret alongside a growing roster of hospitality brands turning to drive-thrus, including Caffè Nero, which opened its first 24-hour location last year, as well as North American operators such as Popeyes, Wendy’s, and Tim Hortons, all of which have expanded into the UK since 2021. Costa and Starbucks have been in the market for over a decade, while Greggs and Leon have also rolled out drive-thru sites in recent years.

The shift towards speed and accessibility comes as Pret trials new approaches to customer value. In late 2025, the company will test a meal deal format offering combinations such as a croissant and coffee for breakfast or a sandwich with crisps and a drink at lunch. The details on pricing remain under wraps, though the move reflects an effort to compete more directly in the “value-driven” segment of the market.

Pret’s expansion follows a mixed financial picture. The chain was acquired by JAB Holdings, the owner of Panera Bread, for £1.5 billion in 2018. In the 12 months to 2 January 2025, worldwide sales rose 10% to £1.2 billion, and adjusted EBITDA increased 36% to £98 million. However, the company posted a pre-tax loss of £525.5 million last year, largely due to a £552.9 million write-down. This adjustment reflected what Pret described as an “uncertain” global economic climate, alongside new costs introduced in the UK’s 2024 Autumn Budget.

Today, Pret operates more than 700 stores globally, an 11% rise during 2024. Its drive-thru debut underscores both the growing demand for convenience and the chain’s determination to stay competitive in a crowded marketplace.