Pret A Manger has today announced the opening of its first shop on the island of Ireland, bringing its freshly made food and 100% organic coffee to the people of Dublin. Located on the city’s historic Dawson Street, the new shop officially opens its doors to the public on Friday 26th August.
The shop has already created 25 new jobs in the capital and is the first of 20 new Pret shops set to open across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the next decade, creating approximately 500 jobs. It forms part of the company’s broader plans to expand into new markets and bring Pret to more people.
Customers at the Dawson Street shop can expect the same great tasting products that Pret is known for, including freshly handmade food and organic coffee and teas, all prepared in the shop’s onsite kitchen daily. Coffees and other hot drinks will be prepared by trained baristas.
People will also be able to enjoy top-quality pastries, baguettes, sandwiches and salads made with fresh ingredients, some even sourced locally. Fan favourites such as Pret’s classic Chocolate Croissant and Chicken Caesar Bacon Baguette are among the items on Pret’s extensive menu, providing a range of delicious choices for all to enjoy, whatever time of day.
The Dawson Street opening comes after Pret agreed terms with Carebrook Partnership Ltd., one of its longest serving franchise partners, which has overseen the success of many shops in London including Camden, Belsize Park and Finchley. Having grown up in the Republic of Ireland, Carebrook co-owners Gerard Loughran and Ray McNamara have in-depth knowledge of the Irish food industry, alongside 30 years of experience working with Pret.
Commenting on the news, Guy Meakin, Interim UK and Ireland Managing Director at Pret A Manger, said: “Opening our first shop in the Republic of Ireland on one of Dublin’s most historic streets is an exciting moment for us. For years we’ve had fans in Ireland hoping for a Pret in their home country so we’re delighted we can finally make that happen. Working alongside our franchise partners Carebrook, we look forward to expanding further and bringing our freshly made food and organic coffee to even more people across the country.”
Gerard Loughran, CEO, Carebrook Partnership Ltd, added: “Having grown up in Tipperary, I am thrilled to be bringing Pret to the Republic of Ireland with our first shop opening in Dublin. We have been working hard to ensure we deliver the ultimate Pret experience at Dawson Street, and it’s fantastic to now see it all coming together. Alongside the unique service Pret is known for, we will be bringing customers all the usual Pret classics! We look forward to welcoming our first customers to Dublin next week.”
Ever since Pret first opened its doors, it has donated surplus food to those most in need at the end of every day. In partnership with the Pret Foundation, the new shop’s surplus food will be donated to Depaul Ireland helping specifically to feed those in Dublin while supporting the charities vision to help end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.