Johannesburg is set to welcome a globally beloved brand as Pret A Manger prepares to open its first shops in Melrose Arch on 14th February 2025, followed by The Zone in Rosebank later this year. This marks a significant milestone, not just for the brand but for South African food lovers eager to experience Pret’s freshly made meals and organic coffee.
This expansion, spearheaded by the Millat Group, brings a brand renowned for its quality, sustainability, and ethical food sourcing into a market that appreciates freshly prepared, wholesome food. Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group, is optimistic about the launch, emphasizing that South Africans have a deep appreciation for high-quality coffee and food made with care.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Pret A Manger to South Africa. This is not just about opening new shops; it’s about introducing an entirely new café culture—one that revolves around freshly handmade food and a commitment to quality.”
Since its humble beginnings in London in 1986, Pret A Manger has grown into a global brand with over 700 shops across 20 markets. The South African expansion represents another step in its journey—one that stays true to the brand’s ethos of offering freshly prepared food, made in shop kitchens every day.
Pret’s menu features a diverse selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks, alongside an extensive range of organic coffees and teas. The brand is also deeply committed to social impact, ensuring that any unsold food at the end of each day is donated to local charities, reinforcing its promise to the community.
Pano Christou, CEO of Pret A Manger, said:
“This opening is an important step in Pret’s global journey. South Africa’s dynamic food culture and vibrant community made Johannesburg the perfect location for our first shop on the continent. We’re thrilled to bring a touch of Pret to this incredible city while incorporating South African flavors into our menu.”
As the opening date draws closer, anticipation is building. Customers will soon have the chance to experience the unmistakable Pret atmosphere, where the smell of freshly baked croissants blends with the rich aroma of organic coffee, and where every bite tells a story of quality and attention to detail.
About Pret A Manger:
Pret A Manger is a beloved sandwich and coffee chain commonly referred to as Pret and based in the United Kingdom. The first shop opened in London in 1986 where the company is headquartered today. Pret’s sandwiches, salads and wraps are freshly handmade each day in shop kitchens using quality ingredients and all coffees and teas are organic. Pret operates more than 700 shops worldwide in 20 international markets (including United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Hong Kong, France, Dubai, Kuwait, India, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Singapore, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain).
For more information, please visit https://www.pret.com
About the Millat Group
The Millat Group is a principal-owned and led family office adopting a private equity approach, deploying capital where value arbitrage exists. The company has invested in hospitality, downstream fuel and convenience. For more information, visit www.millatglobal.com
