Cost to Open Prêt-a-Manager Franchise
Last Updated on May 19, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
Prêt-a-Manger uses a concept based on ultra-fresh to seduce its customers. In the fast-food market, among trendy healthy concepts, we find Prêt-a-Manger. This brand of English origin was created in 1986 and since its launch has experienced real success in the United Kingdom, but also in the United States, Asia, and many European countries.
How Much Does It Cost to Open Prêt-a-Manager Franchise?
According to the official website of the company, you will need to fill out an application form and email it to franchise@pret.com, if you are interested in opening a Prêt A Manger franchise. Also, their key requirements for a franchise partner include:
- enough access to capital; a franchise partner has to be able to demonstrate that they have a net worth of more than $8.5 million, with access to liquid assets of $4.2 million;
- experience in running a mid to large-sized food and beverage business with a sales turnover larger than $12 million.
They note that you should fill out the application form very carefully and include all the required information because they receive a large number of inquiries and will not respond to those who sent an incomplete inquiry.
You might also like our articles about the cost of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Krispy Kreme, or Dunkin Donuts.
On the other hand, they don’t have any information regarding the franchise cost on their official website, such as the management fees, franchisee fees, or ongoing costs. Though, according to some discussions among businessmen interested in opening a Prêt-a-Manger franchise, the costs for buying and fitting out such a store would be around $490,000.
The training and support Prêt-a-Manger may offer to its franchisees it’s a secret as well. We can only assume that they will teach their new business partners how the brand is operating.
Pret-a-Manger history
The sandwich restaurant chain Prêt-a-Manger was born in Great Britain and more precisely in London, on 75B Victoria Street, in 1986. It was created by two friends: Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham, who at the time were students at the University of Law, London. Every lunchtime they went out for lunch and the offer in London seemed too industrial and tasteless.
Noticing that there was a niche in the London market for quality fast food, they launched Prêt-a-Manger around a leitmotif: to deliver fresh, still fresh, and always fresh food. The business is based on a strong concept where freshness is placed at the heart of the strategy. Each restaurant has its own kitchen where many fresh vegetables are prepared every morning.
All bread is also baked on-site for added freshness. All products are self-service, displayed, and visible to customers. The packaging does not have an expiry date as everything is made on the same day to be enjoyed during the day. However, each product has a specific caloric intake label. All unsold items are redistributed each night to charities that help the homeless.
At the end of 2011, Prêt-a-Manger had 220 restaurants in the United Kingdom, twenty-nine restaurants in New York, three in Washington DC, and three in Chicago, as well as eleven restaurants in Hong Kong.
Nowadays, there are more than 530 Prêt-a-Manger units across nine countries around the world, among which 350 are located in the United Kingdom.
Other alternatives to the Prêt-A-Manager franchise in the United States
Prêt-a-Manger is not the only franchise on the market that offers sustainable and natural foods, coffee, and drinks. If you want to open your own business in this industry, there are some other alternatives.
Bowl of Heaven
The franchise fee for Bowl of Heaven is $25,000 and military veterans are offered a discount. The total fees and royalties are 11% and cover the usual categories. The first term is for five years and this term can be renewed three times. Plan on spending around $135,000 for opening your first Bowl of Heaven store.
Their menu includes healthy foods such as Acai bows and other frozen and fresh fruits, created to help you have a healthy eating diet. Also, they offer topping such as organic granola and honey.
Quiznos
If you want to purchase a sandwich-based business, Quiznos offers great and unique franchise opportunities at an affordable cost. Expect to spend around $250,000 for setting up this franchise. Also, the franchisees are offered support services and extensive training, so they can successfully run their new business.
Berrybrook Farm
You should have at least $25,000 to start the process of opening a new Berrybrook Farm franchise and less than $100,000 to open a brand-new store.
Berrybrook Farm is the oldest natural food store in North Carolina, US and they have plans to expand across the East Coast, both in restaurant and store form. Among the products offered by this company are included organic supplements, groceries, health and beauty items, and cruelty-free foods.
3 Potato 4
People started to return to natural, sustainable foods due to their sensitivity to gluten. The 3 Potato 4 franchise appeared to offer gluten-free foods and their unique dipping sauces are some of the most appreciated.
You will need only around 500 square feet and $80,000 to open a new 3 Potato 4 location.
Daily Juice
Daily Juice was founded in Austin, Texas, and is specialized in offering organic juices made to order. Also, their menu includes smoothies that are made of fresh veggies, fruits, and superfoods. The grab-and-go lunch items are also included in their menu.
If you want to start a Daily Juice franchise, you will need $30,000 for the initial franchise fee, and the royalty and fee payment expectation is 8%. Also, in order to qualify for a franchise, you must have a net worth of $450,000. The location doesn’t have to be a certain size, so the initial costs depend on your choice. Though, most stores can be opened with less than $200,000. As a franchisee, you will be offered permanent support from the parent company.
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