Big international fast-food franchise launching in South Africa in 2025

British multi-national sandwich and coffee shop franchise Pret A Manger will launch in 2025 in South Africa, starting in Melrose Arch and The Zone in Rosebank.

Pret A Manger, known as Pret, was founded in 1983 and grew to 697 locations worldwide, including 498 in the United Kingdom and 62 in the United States.

The company promotes itself by serving freshly made food and good organic coffee while also trying to do the right thing.

It offers a wide-ranging menu that includes sandwiches, salads, wraps, baked goods and snacks, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Pret A Manger also offers a wide array of organic coffees, teas and other hot and cold beverages.

The company’s latest financial results revealed that sales across company-owned and franchise shops increased 10% year-on-year.

This growth was driven by international expansion and new franchise partnerships, with 25% of revenue coming from outside the United Kingdom.

“While the business remains proudly British-based and British-built, a significant part of Pret’s future growth plan is international,” the company said.

Pret operates in more than 18 international markets, including the UK, Ireland, US, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Switzerland, Brussels, India, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.

In 2025, South Africa will join the growing list of countries with Pret A Manger franchises.

In February 2024, the Millat Group has signed a deal with Pret for the exclusive licence to operate Pret stores in Southern Africa.

Millat said the deal forms part of its long-term strategy to expand into the sector by offering customers access to organic and sustainable food.

“Pret A Manger has the best in class offering of organic grab and go and a food service offering that stands out,” Millat Group CEO Hamza Farooqui said.

He explained that this partnership aligns with Millat’s strategy of bringing global brands into South Africa.

Pret A Manger chief executive Pano Christou was upbeat about bringing the franchise to South Africa.

He said bringing Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to Africa marks a major milestone in their international expansion.

Property expert Ash Muller revealed that the two Pret A Manger stores will open early in 2025. They will be in Melrose Arch and The Zone in Rosebank.

There are also plans to open new stores in other big cities, including Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.

Inside a Pret A Manger