British sandwich chain Pret A Manger has partnered with US franchise company Dallas Holdings in an ambitious plan to triple its number of branches in North America. The collaboration aims to open ten more Pret locations on the US east coast by 2026 and introduce new formats, including drive-thrus. Dallas Holdings already operates around 50 Pret branches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The company also has more than 40 Pret shops in southern California and several in the UK.
Expanding Presence
Dallas Holdings plans to open ten new Pret A Manger branches on the US east coast by 2026, while also introducing new formats such as drive-thrus. The company already operates around 50 Pret locations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. It also has over 40 Pret shops in southern California and several in the UK.
Global Ambitions
Pret A Manger's CEO, Pano Christou, expressed the company's ambition to become a globally recognized brand. The partnership with Dallas Holdings is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Pret plans to open branches in additional US regions, such as Texas, Florida, and Washington state, through separate franchise partnerships.
Continued Growth
Pret A Manger currently operates over 600 shops in 15 countries, employing nearly 10,000 workers. The company has seen sustained growth in Canada and recently reported a 10% increase in sales in its US shops. With the support of Dallas Holdings and other franchise partnerships, Pret aims to further expand its presence in the North American market.
Warm September Impacts Retail Sales
Retail sales in the UK experienced a slump in September due to unseasonably warm weather. The Office for National Statistics reported a 0.9% decline in sales volumes as consumers delayed purchasing autumn/winter clothing. Analysts express concerns about consumers tightening their belts in the lead-up to Christmas.
Travel Demand Bounces Back for InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group, the owner of Holiday Inn, has seen travel demand bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. The company reported a 10.5% increase in revenue per available room over the last three months. CEO Elie Maalouf expressed optimism about the future for IHG.
