Coffee shop chain Pret a Manger to expand into Ireland

London food group plans to open 20 stores

Pret a Manger plans to open 20 stores across the island of Ireland.

British coffee shop chain Pret A Manger is to expand into Ireland for the first time.

As part of a deal with franchise partner Carebrook Partnership, 20 Pret outlets will be established across the island of Ireland over the next decade, creating approximately 500 jobs. The first shop is set to open on Dawson Street in Dublin this summer, creating 25 jobs.

Carebrook is a long-serving franchise partner with Pret a Manger overseeing many of their shops in London. Gerard Loughran, the majority co-owner, grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and has over 30 years’ experience in the UK and US food sector. Minority co-owner Ray McNamara from Dublin has 25 years of experience in the Irish food industry, including ownership of Ann’s Bakery.

The franchise agreement follows Pret’s announcement last year that it would aim to double the size of the business within five years, including launching into five new markets by the end of 2023.

"We’ve been working with Pret for over three decades, ever since they arrived in London," Mr Loughran said. "Having grown up in Tipperary, and with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and food industry, I’ve always wanted to bring Pret to Ireland and Northern Ireland, so I’m delighted that this will soon become a reality."

As part of Pret’s expansion, it is rolling out a recruitment programme, aiming to hire at least 3,000 team members and baristas globally.