Pret A Manger has signed its first franchise agreement in the US, which will bring its first university shops to the country.
The company will open two shops at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on 28 August (the first Pret A Manger shops in Philadelphia), followed by one at the University of Chicago on 14 September.
The three shops will open in partnership with Bon Appétit Management Company, an on-site restaurant company operating more than 1,000 cafes in 33 states for corporations, universities and museums, as well as public restaurants.
The shops will offer Pret’s popular menu of organic coffee and handmade natural food, including sandwiches, salads, wraps, baguettes and hot options. Using quality, ethically-sourced ingredients, all of Pret’s fresh items are prepared on-site in the shop kitchens every day.
Favorites from the menu include: the Balsamic Chicken & Avocado Sandwich, Mediterranean Mezze Salad, Coconut Chicken & Miso Sweet Potato Balance Box, and Turkey, Ham & Wisconsin Cheddar Hot Baguette.
“Choosing the right partners is important for Pret and we really admire Bon Appetit’s values and operational strengths,” stated Jo Brett, Pret’s US President. “Our menu of freshly-made food to go is perfect for students juggling a busy academic lifestyle, and I’m sure our organic coffee will also be very popular on campus. Pret is a natural choice for students looking for fresh and nutritious food and we hope that these three new university shops are the first of many.”
Bon Appétit CEO, Fedele Bauccio added, “I have long admired Pret for its fresh, flavorful menu items that can be enjoyed quickly on the go. In addition, Pret’s culinary and sourcing standards align closely with Bon Appétit’s, which will make us a great team.”
The two University of Pennsylvania shops will serve thousands of students, faculty, staff and guests flowing through the Wharton School’s iconic Jon M. Hunstman Hall at 3730 Walnut Street. The first shop will be located on the main floor and the second, a smaller outpost, will be located on the second floor serving mostly graduate students.
At the University of Chicago, the shop will be located in the Reynolds Club, the primary student center on campus that serves as a hub for undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff. Located at 5706 S. University Ave., this location in the heart of the Hyde Park campus will serve not only the campus community, but the many guests at more than 500 programs held in the building each year.