It was with great excitement that I told you about the arrival of Pret A Manger (also known as Pret) to Los Angeles. If you are unfamiliar with the brand, Pret A Manger (which means ready to eat in French) is a popular grab-and-go super fresh prepared sandwich chain that began in 1986 in London and has since spread to many locations across the globe (including New York and Chicago). In 2024, they opened a branch at 901 Westwood Blvd. in Westwood Village, then another location in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center, with hints of more on the way. Sadly, I’m hearing from multiple people that both locations are now closed. There is still one outpost at Tom Bradley in LAX. Does this spell the end of an LA expansion?
Toddrickallen 
Not a major surprise.
The Pret a Manger concept doesn’t work in malls. Century City had 85° and Coffee Bean steps away. Perhaps if it were near the Constellation opening with a quick grab and go for office workers, but it was too hidden.
Westwood is where many chains go to die. Students are going to eat on campus or go fast food (Raising Canes will do well). Hospital workers, if they’re leaving campus will walk the extra block to Corner Bakery.
I was thinking about where the concept would work… Maybe along San Vicente in Brentwood? Downtown Santa Monica?
needs to be an area with lots of offices where people need something quick (without using their car). DTLA or maybe the golden triangle in BH. Otherwise, it would be better suited to SF than Southern California.
I worked at Pret in London, know the executives and head office and write on my blog expret.org about the .real Pret behind the facade.
Pret’s owners who also own Panera, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee etc. tasked Pret to double in size by 2026. Pret often speed opened in many malls or existing businesses like A&W in Canada, just to fulfil this target. It’s quantity over quality.
Last year Pret were written down a 3rd of their value and currently are losing millions due to the “frankenchicken” campaign in London.
If people check Pret’s Trustpilot reviews, 71% of 1 & 2 star reviews disapprove of Pret. Pret is in more financial trouble than they want the public to know.
expret.org
They didn’t offer the UK sandwich varieties they are known for like cheese and pickle etc. Just ordinary sandwiches which are easily outclassed by just about every restaurant around them.