
How Fast-Food Franchising Actually Works
Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Menus and prices in 6 markets, 338 items tracked.
Pret is not really a restaurant chain in the sense the rest of this directory uses the word. Food is made in a kitchen at each shop each morning, there is no cooked-to-order hot menu, and unsold stock is given to charity at close. That is a fresh-food retail operation, and it only works where lunchtime footfall is extreme.
Which is why the estate is dense in central London and thin almost everywhere else, and why its American stores cluster in Manhattan.
All eight of Pret's products in our price index are drinks - Latte, americano, cappuccino, flat white. The food range changes almost completely between markets, because it is built to local taste and a local supply chain each morning.
Each market has its own board. Prices are shown in local currency and are not comparable across rows - Use the index below for that.
| Market | Items | Cheapest | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Pret A Manger menu prices
USD |
74 | $3.85 | $9.22 | USA menu prices |
| Hong Kong Pret A Manger menu prices
HKD |
64 | HK$7 | HK$41.14 | Hong Kong menu prices |
| Canada Pret A Manger menu prices
CAD |
29 | C$3.25 | C$9.22 | Canada menu prices |
| United Kingdom Pret A Manger menu prices
GBP |
44 | £1 | £4.90 | United Kingdom menu prices |
| Ireland Pret A Manger menu prices
EUR |
44 | €3.30 | €5.50 | Ireland menu prices |
| United Arab Emirates Pret A Manger menu prices
AED |
83 | AED 6 | AED 21.86 | United Arab Emirates menu prices |
Prices are in each market’s own currency and are not comparable across rows; for that, use the price index.
Products sold under one name in four or more of our markets, converted to US dollars at weekly mid-market rates.
| Product | Markets | Cheapest (USD) | Average (USD) | Priciest (USD) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americano Pret A Manger price by country | 6 | $2.86 | $4.70 | $5.50 | +93% |
| Latte Pret A Manger price by country | 6 | $3.58 | $5.41 | $6.50 | +82% |
| Cappuccino Pret A Manger price by country | 5 | $3.58 | $5.36 | $6.50 | +82% |
| Iced Latte Pret A Manger price by country | 5 | $3.94 | $5.53 | $7.00 | +78% |
| Flat White Pret A Manger price by country | 5 | $5.17 | $5.66 | $6.50 | +26% |
| Hot Chocolate Pret A Manger price by country | 5 | $4.79 | $5.63 | $5.99 | +25% |
| Mocha Pret A Manger price by country | 5 | $5.81 | $6.22 | $7.00 | +20% |
| Chocolate Croissant Pret A Manger price by country | 4 | $2.68 | $3.76 | $4.60 | +72% |
| Almond Croissant Pret A Manger price by country | 4 | $2.81 | $3.80 | $4.63 | +65% |
| Peppermint Tea Pret A Manger price by country | 4 | $4.08 | $4.42 | $4.66 | +14% |
Every item across every Pret A Manger menu, mapped onto our dish taxonomy.
In the heart of London, 1986, two university friends, Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham, sought to redefine the fast-food experience. Dissatisfied with the options available, they envisioned a place where fresh, natural food was prepared daily. This vision materialized at 75b Victoria Street, marking the inception of Pret A Manger. Their commitment to quality and simplicity resonated with the city's bustling populace, laying the foundation for a brand that would soon become synonymous with wholesome, ready-to-eat meals.
At the core of Pret A Manger's culinary philosophy lies a dedication to freshness and authenticity. Each day, kitchens within or near every shop bustle with activity, preparing sandwiches, salads, and wraps from scratch using quality ingredients. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that offerings like the Chicken Caesar Bacon Baguette and the Smoked Salmon Protein Bowl are not only delicious but also reflective of the freshest produce available. This approach ensures that every meal served is both nourishing and satisfying.
Beyond serving food, Pret A Manger has always prioritized community engagement. In 1995, this commitment was formalized with the establishment of The Pret Foundation, aiming to alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Unsold food items are donated daily to local charities, ensuring that surplus reaches those in need. Initiatives like the Rising Stars program offer employment opportunities to individuals facing barriers, fostering inclusivity and support within the workforce. Through these efforts, Pret A Manger continues to nurture connections, making a positive impact that extends well beyond its shop doors.

Almost every restaurant you think of as a chain is owned by someone else entirely. What the franchisee actually buys, and why it explains the price on the board.

Localisation is not adding a novelty item. It is a staged process with a predictable sequence, and the menu data shows exactly how far each market has travelled.

Menu boards are designed documents, not lists. Where the money items sit, what the ordering of panels is doing, and how to find the price you actually want.
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