Pret a Manger opened its first shop in London in 1986.
Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham founded the company in the United Kingdom. The name comes from the French phrase “prêt à manger,” meaning “ready to eat.” Pret built its identity around freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, soups, and other food intended for quick takeaway.
The first shop opened in London, where the company developed a strong presence among office workers and commuters. Pret later expanded across the United Kingdom and into other countries, including the United States. Its model combined fast service with food prepared in shop kitchens rather than relying mainly on frozen or long-shelf-life products.
The brand name is French, but Pret is a British company. London is therefore the answer for the founding shop, while Paris is not, even though the name may suggest a French origin.