1️⃣ A Veggie Tale Ends 🥦
It's a wrap for Veggie Pret, folks. After 8 years of pushing the plant-based agenda, Pret A Manger is pulling the plug on its vegetarian-only outlets in London and Manchester. Peak Pret veggie vision? 10 stores strong. But as the tides turn, so does Pret's strategy. The final meat-free bastions will morph back into regular Pret shops by month's end, marking the end of an era. Why? Because Pret's now a veggie haven, full stop. Every outlet's a Veggie Pret in spirit, with the menu teeming with vegetarian and vegan delights.
2️⃣ The Why Behind the Goodbye 🤔
Pret's pivot away from Veggie Pret isn't just about closing doors; it's about opening up to a wider audience. The landscape's changed: vegetarian and vegan options have gone from niche to norm. Katherine Bagshawe, UK food & coffee director, spins it positive: Veggie Pret's legacy? A menu makeover, with meat-free choices now a staple. The goal? To blend the best of both worlds, making every Pret a place for plant-lovers and carnivores alike. It's not about taking away; it's about adding more.
3️⃣ The Veggie Vision 🌱
Launched in 2016, Veggie Pret was more than a menu; it was a mission. A test lab for the tastiest of plant-based treats. But with the acquisition of Eat in 2019, Pret had grand plans to go greener. Yet, the dream of a veggie empire faced reality: the broader Pret menu now embraces the veggie and vegan ethos, diluting the need for exclusive outlets. The experiment proved one thing - there's a hunger for plant-based, but it's best served mixed in with the classics.
4️⃣ A Look Ahead 🌍
So, what's next for Pret? Innovation, inclusivity, and maybe a side of irony. Pret's promise: to keep the veggie spirit alive, with or without Veggie Pret stores. The focus shifts to expanding the menu, ensuring that veggie and vegan options are not just options but highlights. The message is clear: whether you're here for a carrot wrap or a chicken Caesar, Pret's got you covered. The veggie dream isn't dead; it's just evolving, one menu at a time.
❓ Will you miss the Veggie Pret concept?
