Pret a Manger (informally "Pret" or "Prets") is a UK sandwich retailer. The company was founded in London in 1986 by friends Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe who met while studying property law at the Polytechnic of Central London . The company's marketing emphasizes a passion for food, with all items made from natural ingredients without preservatives. All sandwiches are made on the day of purchase, with those left unsold at the end of the day given to the homeless. Sandwiches are packaged in cardboard rather than sealed plastic, to emphasize that they are fresh and cannot be kept overnight.
The name is a direct French translation of prêt à manger, or "ready to eat".
McDonald's bought a £25 million stake in the company, and they opened some outlets in New York. Unlike other fast food outlets, Pret a Manger is not a franchise. 85% of their trade is in London.
The menu includes sandwiches, filled baguettes, soup, salad, and coffee.
Messages in the store, on the packaging and on the website remind you of their company ideology, messages often numbered "Pret passion fact no. 74" for example. The packaging and website also include recipes for some of their products, supposedly so the customer can make himself or herself a sandwich when all Pret a Manger locations in a community are closed or if the customer lives and/or works too far away from any Pret a Manger stores. A sticker on a pack of sandwiches says:
- No factory ★ No Shelf-life ★ Made in-store ★ No 'display until' ★ No obscure chemicals
- Because only pret can share our recipes and create preservative free goodies using natual ingredients delivered before dawn to every Pret shop. Passionate chefs, hours of preparation and loads of proper fresh food.
Staff
In 1998 the company employed 1,400 people, of whom 19% are from Britain and 60% are from other European Union countries. Pret a Manger only picks 1 in every 14 applicants. Staff can be trained and working behind the counter within six days of applying.
Criticism
The sandwiches are made early in the morning and stored in a refrigerator. Some consumers prefer the type of made-to-order sandwiches available from shops like Subway, and from many independent retailers.
In the past, no nutritional information was provided, but this policy has been changed and information for each of their products is available from their website.
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