Pret A Manger inaugurated its inaugural UK drive-thru as part of a new experimental run. The drive-thru commenced operations in Warrington, Cheshire, near junction 21 of the M6 on Tuesday, in collaboration with Motor Fuel Group.
The objective of Pret is to broaden its presence in transport and travel locations, placing it in direct competition with established brands such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks, both of which already have drive-thru facilities. Currently, the coffee chain operates 220 branches in airports, stations, and motorway service areas across the UK.
The newly unveiled Warrington drive-thru features a single lane for vehicles, while the store boasts seating for up to 48 individuals indoors, along with EV charging stations and customer restroom facilities.
Offering the complete Pret breakfast and lunch menu, the location also provides popular snacks, alongside a variety of hot and cold beverages including coffee and smoothies. Ross Warnes, the President of Pret A Manger for the UK and Ireland, expressed excitement about the growth potential presented by travel hubs and roadside locales, highlighting the drive-thru as a natural progression in their expansion strategy.
Jack Tindall, the head of food service operations at Motor Fuel Group, emphasized the significance of launching Pret’s first drive-thru as a major achievement in their partnership and looks forward to serving the Warrington community.
In a move to expand its travel-oriented offerings, Pret recently opened three new stores in partnership with Roadchef in March. Additionally, the chain expanded its menu with the introduction of two new triple sandwiches, bringing back customer favorites like the All-Day Breakfast Triple and introducing the Everyday Triple.
Among the new offerings is the Sausage & Bacon Ciabatta hot roll, alongside the Thai Style Chicken Baguette and other delectable items such as the Shawarma Spiced Chicken Half Flatbread and Falafel, Avo & Chipotle Half Flatbread. Customers can also customize their meals by pairing these items with a half baguette or a side soup for a personalized dining experience.