Pret A Manger announces new UK franchise partners
The announcement is part of Pret A Manger’s plan to double the size of its business within the next five years.
Pret A Manger has announced that Dallas Holdings and K&Z Group will become the chain’s next franchisees in the UK.
A total of eight stores will be transferred to the new franchise partners in spring 2022.
Pret’s Guildford, Bournemouth, Basingstoke and Woking shops will be transferred to K&Z Holdings, and its four stores in Oxford will be transferred to Dallas Holdings.
K&Z Holdings is a family-run, multi-unit franchise business, and Dallas Holdings works to enhance customer experiences globally across multiple brands.
Both companies have reportedly gone through a “rigorous interview process to ensure they’re the right cultural and digital fit for Pret A Manger”.
Meanwhile, the announcement is reportedly part of a plan to double the size of the business within the next five years.
The move follows the announcement of Pret’s expansion into Canada and Kuwait announced in November 2021. Earlier this year, Pret also expanded into roadside franchisee partnerships with independent forecourt operator, MFG, and motorway services operator, Moto.
Additionally, as the company expands, Pret A Manger will also roll out a recruitment programme, aiming to hire at least 3,000 team members and baristas by the end of 2023.
Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said: “Demand for our freshly prepared food and organic coffee is growing, with some shops busier than they’ve ever been. To meet that demand, we’re establishing new partnerships with franchisees to bring Pret to more people.
“Our agreements with Dallas Holdings and K&Z Group are a vital part of that ambition and will help kickstart our growth in different parts of the country. We’re really pleased that they’ll be joining us on this journey, helping to spread Pret joy to more customers.”
Shane Thakrar, CEO of Dallas, added: “Having partnered with some of the biggest brands for many years, partnering to rollout across the UK and elsewhere, we are very excited to join with Pret A Manger. We believe we have some great joint opportunities ahead for our customers and the wonderful teams at our stores.”
Shahaz Nanji, managing director of K&Z Holdings, said: “Our journey of success from a single store to a multi-store operator is based on our commitment to creating a powerful, family culture coupled with world-class operations. It’s these traits that we’re delighted to bring to our new partnership with Pret A Manger.”
