Do you want to open a fast food business by buying Pret-a-Manager franchise? If YES, here is how much it cost to open Pret-a-Manager franchise successfully. Prêt-a-Manger was founded in 1983 and its first store was opened in Hampstead, London in 1984.
At the time, it focused mainly on fresh foods and natural ingredients – an ethos that has continued into the present day. However, the original Prêt-a-Manger struggled financially and was soon put into liquidation.
In 1986, the name and branding were purchased by two young businessmen, Sinclair Beecham and Julian Metcalfe, who started their first store at 75B Victoria Street. At the very beginning, the pair served just 12 lovingly crafted coffees per day. Now, an estimated 1.4 million drinks are sold every single day.
‘Prêt-a-Manger’ translates as ‘ready-to-eat’ and buttresses Beecham and Metcalfe’s initial idea, which was to establish a café and takeaway eatery serving fresh, minimally processed food. The pair was getting weary of the heavily processed options available on the high streets, which were more often than not served by unfriendly, unmotivated staff, so wanted to create an alternative.
Prêt A Manger over the years has continually strived to achieve slow but stable growth. Currently, it is one of the leading global brands and takes pride in being one of the world’s biggest economies.
This company operates like a restaurant and build kitchens in or near every store. Customers will not find expiry dates on their freshly prepared salads or sandwiches as these items are sold fresh. Their milk and coffee are organic and are very popular among their customers.
Note that company’s aim is to sell high-quality and freshly prepared food to their customers. Prêt A Manger boasts of having over 530 stores across nine countries, among which around 350 are based in the UK. Around 67% of the company’s trade is in London and it is also where the company’s first made its mark.
Also note that the company is often considered as an ethical, healthier and quirkier alternative to other sandwich and coffee quick service restaurants. Prêt-A-Manager over the years has built itself to follow the highest standards and created a relatively strict recruitment process that aims at how their employees communicate and show positivity.
Note that at many Pret locations, they do not sell their sandwiches of the previous day rather it is given to local homeless people at the end of the day. It also donates a portion of the profits its soups make to fund this operation. Prêt-a-Manger has been one of the UK’s leading high street retailers since its inception in 1983 and the prospect of opening a Prêt-a-Manger franchise is an exciting one for anyone looking to put their stamp on their local high street.
Financial Investment Required to Open a Prêt-A-Manager Franchise
Note there are currently no tangible information on the Prêt-a-Manger website regarding the franchise cost, including things such as franchisee fees, management fees and ongoing costs, other than what your net worth needs to be.
However, industry discussions, among potentially interested businesspeople have stated that acquiring and fitting out a Prêt-a-Manger store could cost around £400,000, but there’s no official word from the company about its official figures. Also note that outfitting alone would put Prêt-a-Manger up there with some of the more expensive quick-service franchises on the market – for reference, a Subway franchise costs roughly £200,000.
Nonetheless, Prêt strives to keep the kind of support and training it could offer its franchisees a secret too. It’s easy to assume that, while there will be training to get new franchise partners familiar with the brand’s way of operating, there’s not likely to be extensive training.
Prêt A Manger is not franchising at this time. And from a reliable source, it isn’t going to happen any time soon in the future either. Their website says it all. “Please don’t call us and ask for a franchise because we don’t; we really don’t. We don’t franchise. The fact is we don’t like to franchise, so we don’t.”
Other Alternatives to Prêt-A-Manager Franchise in the United States
However, if you’re looking to provide your community with the combination of natural and sustainable foods, drinks, and coffee, then here are some other franchises that are franchising right now that can help you start building your own local business.
1. Quiznos
Quiznos offers a unique and phenomenal franchise opportunity at affordable prices and is rated among the best franchise if you are looking to buy a sandwich-based business. Note that to set-up this franchise will cost around £200,000. Also note that the franchise holders are provided with extensive training and support services to help them run their business successfully.
2. Daily Juice
Established and started in Austin, TX, you’ll be offering your customer base organic juices that are made to order. The menu also includes smoothies that are made from fresh fruits, veggies, and super foods. There are also a good number of foods for the grab-and-go lunch crowd in this natural version of a QSR.
The initial franchise fee is $30k and there is an 8% royalty and fee payment expectation. There is also a net worth requirement of $450k to qualify for a franchise. There isn’t any size requirements for a location, so the initial investment can vary widely based on the location that is chosen. Most locations can be opened for less than $200k, however, and you’ll receive continuing support from the home organization as a franchisee.
3. 3 Potato 4
One of the major reasons why people are transitioning back to sustainable, natural foods is because of gluten sensitivities. With a 3 Potato 4 franchise, you’ll offer your prospective clients with the chance to have the best of both worlds with a series of unique dipping sauces that really make the products stand out.
A new shop can be opened for as little as $80k and you only need about 500 square feet in a location to make it happen. Even the serving dishes are paper cones that are bio-ready and fully sustainable. It’s a young franchise as well, so it could be a ground floor investment that could pay off big.
4. Berrybrook Farm
This franchise opportunity is the oldest natural foods store in North Carolina and they’re looking to extend their unique look on life throughout the East Coast in both store and restaurant form. By offering cruelty-free foods and health and beauty products, this company provides you with the platform to also offer groceries and supplements to people who are looking for organic and sustainable products.
You’ll only need $25k to get the process started and a brand new location can achieve a grand opening for less than $100k. This way you’ll be able to approach your business with multiple revenue sources, which can help better establish your franchise in your community.
5. Bowl of Heaven
Note that this franchise features healthy treats like fresh Acai bowls, along with other fresh and frozen super fruits that are created to help people achieve their healthy eating goals. With this franchise, you will find toppings like honey and organic granola available too.
The franchise fee here is $25k and there’s a discount available to military veterans. The total royalties and fees are 11%, covering the typical categories. The initial term is for 5 years and there are three renewals available. You can potentially get your grand opening achieved with this franchise for as little as $135k.