Yahoo Finance Pret A Manger to make Irish debut with 20 new stores
Pret A Manger is set to expand into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for the first time in its history, opening 20 new stores over the next decade.
The coffee and sandwich chain, which is owned by investment group JAB and founder Sinclair Beecham, said the deal with its long-term franchise partner Carebrook Partnership will create as many as 500 jobs.
The first site will open in Dublin this summer as part of its expansion drive.
Last year Pret said it planned to double the size of the business within five years, including launching in five new markets by the end of 2023. It is aiming to hire at least 3,000 team members to drive its expansion worldwide.
“Setting up shop in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has been our plan for a long time, and we’re thrilled that we’re finally able to make it happen,” Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret A Manger, said.
“There has long been demand from our neighbours on the island of Ireland to bring Pret’s freshly prepared food and organic coffee, and now with the backing of Carebrook Partnership we’re able to do so. We look forward to making this partnership a success.”
Read more: Heathrow records busiest month since start of pandemic
Carebrook has worked alongside Pret for more than three decades, overseeing outlets in London, including Camden, Belsize Park and Finchley.
Its majority co-owner Gerard Loughran grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary in Ireland and has over 30 years' experience in the UK and US food sector.
Minority co-owner Ray McNamara from Dublin also has 25 years' experience in the Irish food industry, including ownership of Ann's Bakery.
"We've been working with Pret for over three decades, ever since they arrived in London," said Loughran. "Having grown up in Tipperary, and with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and food industry, I’ve always wanted to bring Pret to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“I’m delighted that this will soon become a reality alongside my co-owner Ray, who has great connections and links to the food sector in Dublin with 25 years’ experience."
As well as the United Kingdom, Pret currently has shops in the United States, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Switzerland, Brussels, Singapore and Germany.
