Retail

Famous international fast-food restaurant chain launches in South Africa

Bianke Neethling • 13 February 2025

The first Pret a Manger in South Africa will officially open its doors to the public on Friday, 14 February 2025, in Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

The British multi-national sandwich and coffee shop franchise, known colloquially as Pret, held its soft launch on Wednesday, 12 February.

This location marks the first Pret store in South Africa and the African continent. Pret will also have a second location at The Zone in Rosebank.

The company said via its social media channels that this soft launch received an overwhelming turnout and labelled it an “absolute success”.

Since 1986, when the first Pret store was developed in the UK, the company has promoted itself by serving freshly made food and good organic coffee.

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

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

The company’s latest financial results show a 10% year-on-year increase in sales across its company-owned and franchise stores.

This growth has been fueled by international expansion and new franchise partnerships, with 25% of revenue now coming from outside the UK.

Since its launch, Pret has expanded to 697 locations worldwide, including 498 in the United Kingdom and 62 in the United States.

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

Currently, Pret operates in over 18 international markets, including the UK, Ireland, the US, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Switzerland, Belgium, India, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.

In February 2024, the Millat Group signed an exclusive licensing agreement to operate Pret stores in Southern Africa.

Millat said the deal aligns with its long-term strategy of expanding into the sector by offering consumers organic and sustainable food options.

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

He added that the partnership fits with Millat’s vision of bringing global brands to South Africa.

Pret A Manger CEO Pano Christou was optimistic about the expansion, calling it a major milestone in the company’s international growth.

He said bringing Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to Africa marks a significant step forward for the brand.

Pret prioritises the tastes and preferences of local consumers whenever it expands into new regions.

Therefore, this new location has a South African chef with whom the company has been working to curate a menu intended to connect with locals.

For example, he said the menu contains items with chakalaka in the flavour profiles.

“So you’ll have some global classics like the classic cheddar and pickle that you will see in Pret all across the world, but the localisation of the menu is something that is very important,” he said.