Pret a Manger, a prominent London-based sandwich chain, has drastically scaled back its presence in Southern California, marking a significant reversal of ambitious expansion plans announced just four years prior. The company, known for its grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, wraps, and coffee, has seen its planned rollout of approximately 40 new locations across the state largely abandoned.
Retreat from Southern California
Only one Pret a Manger location currently remains operational in Southern California. This sole outpost is situated within the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and is operated by airport concessions company ASUR Airports, not by Dallas Holdings, the food and beverage brand operator that had partnered with Pret for its regional expansion. This marks a stark contrast to the initial vision set forth in a 2022 deal.
Pret a Manger had opened several storefronts across Los Angeles, with its first Southern California location debuting in Westwood near UCLA in 2024. Additional sites followed in Studio City, at LAX, and within Westfield Century City. However, these locations have largely ceased operations. The former Westwood site, for instance, closed by early April and is slated to become a Ghost Sando Shop, a local Los Angeles sandwich brand.
The initial expansion was heralded by Pret a Manger CEO Pano Christou, who expressed enthusiasm for bringing the brand to more customers and franchise partners. The company envisioned establishing a significant presence in high-profile areas like Hollywood and Beverly Hills. However, this rollout has since been paused or entirely abandoned.
Comparison with Other Markets
The reversal in Southern California stands in contrast to Pret a Manger's established presence in other parts of the United States and globally. The chain maintains over 40 locations in New York City, many of which have been operating for several years. Worldwide, Pret a Manger operates hundreds of shops, with a significant footprint in the UK, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.
Globally, the company reports serving more than 300,000 customers daily. Its menu features a range of items including soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, and other lunch staples.
While the chain has developed a strong following in some international markets and other US cities, its reception in Southern California appears to have been mixed. Some local customers have expressed disappointment, with feedback online noting that while the sandwiches were good, the prices were considered high. The remaining LAX location, for example, lists a large organic coffee at approximately $7 and a large cappuccino at about $8.50, and holds a 3-star rating on Yelp.