Pret has today opened its first shop in Italy as the sandwich maker marks the next phase in its expansion into Europe.
Opening today in Milan’s Malpensa Airport, the new store is the first of 40 planned openings across the country following a deal with Italian catering business Chef Express.
The menu will include familiar customer favourites such as Pret’s Super Club sandwich, its cheddar & onion chutney baguette, as well as wraps, soups and fresh salads such as the avocado, wild crayfish & cucumber bowl.
The move adds Italy to a growing list of European countries in which the chain operates, including France, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. The company, which now has over 600 locations worldwide, reported global revenue of £461 million in 2021.
Pret boss Pano Christou said: “Launching in Italy is a big moment for us and something I’ve been personally looking forward to.
“We’re excited to be working with Chef Express to help us introduce the Pret experience to people in Milan first, then across the country.”
The deal will see Chef Express, a subsidiary of Italy’s largest meat products business, Cremonini, operate the shops as franchises and employ staff on Pret’s behalf.
Outside Europe, Pret’s biggest expansion so far has been in North America, where it operates 66 stores, including over 40 in New York. It also has 34 stores in the Middle East & Asia.
