Pret a Manger to Be Bought by Panera Bread’s Owners | Eater
"A maroon-logoed, London-founded chain (est. 1983) that markets itself as a quick, health-conscious, all-day eatery whose offerings are primarily ready-made and packaged for grab-and-go customers. Its format features rows of open refrigerators stocking cold salads and sandwiches—including tuna salad spiked with fresh herbs and colorful chicken salads—alongside refrigerated chia pudding, hard‑boiled egg “protein pots,” and fresh fruit bowls; some hot items such as cheesy panini and meatball sandwiches sit on heated shelves, and soups, hot plates and breakfast pastries were added as it expanded into the U.S. Popular with 9-to-5 workers in dense cities, it occupies a niche between Starbucks’ grab-and-go lunch options and faster fast-casual chains, with U.S. locations concentrated on the East Coast and fewer than 100 outlets nationwide. Recently acquired by JAB Holding Co. in a deal valuing the business at about $2 billion, the new owner—whose portfolio includes coffee and snack brands—plans to use its resources to expand the chain throughout the U.S., potentially leveraging its coffee expertise to compete with long lines at rivals." - Daniela Galarza
