just got back from Hong Kong. Food and drinks in Pret are wonderful. Do you think it wil work in Shanghai?

B

I wouldn't really classify Pret as a coffee shop, it's more like a sandwich shop if anything. It should definitely open in shanghai, it's my favourite lunch place in london, their sandwiches are absoltely the best!

bellabella wrote:I wouldn't really classify Pret as a coffee shop, it's more like a sandwich shop if anything. It should definitely open in shanghai, it's my favourite lunch place in london, their sandwiches are absoltely the best!

Thank you, but you are the only reply. I love Pret too, but will the business enough?

banoffee wrote:

bellabella wrote:I wouldn't really classify Pret as a coffee shop, it's more like a sandwich shop if anything. It should definitely open in shanghai, it's my favourite lunch place in london, their sandwiches are absoltely the best!

Thank you, but you are the only reply. I love Pret too, but will the business enough?

Woah hold your horses! it's midnight so don't expect a whole load of replies just yet!

Anyhow - I wouldn't say I am huge fan of Pret but I used to go there maybe once or twice a week for lunch, only because it was right downstairs. Mind you I was pleased when one opened right below me in Singapore.

But to answer your question, not sure if the timing is right for a fast food sandwich type place (I'm not saying they are fast food by the way) as to be successful they'd need the buy-in of the locals too. Also, price wise I can't see them charging less than 20RMB for a sandwich - and that would start to put them in direct competition with a lot of restaurants that do lunch sets. (sandwich, drink, crisps, pastry 50RMB++?)

How is subway doing here, I'm not for the moment suggesting that the food is similar but it could be an indication of the market?

I guess it would be feasible to run one or two PaM shops in some "first-class office" areas, like on Nanjing Xi Lu, Nanjing Dong Lu... but it might be difficult to get the logistics/supply sorted out if only few shops in Shanghai would open.

Is it similar to Delifrance?

Quality-wise very similar, but I prefer Delifrance..
I went to Pret A Manger in the UK a couple of time to tuck in their chocolate cakes.. a bit on the heavy side; Delifrance seems to offer more healthy choices (but then it's now years ago that I went to Pret and I was on another diet then

Costa ?

I am not sure what Pret has to offer... never lived where there was one... but there is room for good, consistent, reasonably priced food with friendly service. Delifrance I never really liked.. seems overpriced, and they have always had such attitude like the were doing me a bgi favor taking my order.

They can be successful if they had some menu items for locals at a price point that makes sense for the local market ( 20 RMB is not bad for a sandwich)

But look the success of pizza hut, McD.. etc.. they do OK. Subway I don't think every did well because they did not localize enough and their offering was always more expensive without adding that much value.

IMHO

no

Such a shame...it serves great sandwiches and wraps with all kinds of fillings...healthy options too...and deserts to go along. I think it would be a great option for expats...I don't think locals would be as excited tho...cos the sandwiches will not be cheap given the ingredients that they use...one of my favs being rocket with crayfish...

Yes, love the Crayfish and Rocket, oh, all day breakfast also. Actually, all their sandwiches are very good. I tried one of their hot wraps in Hong Kong and it was very good too.
Delifrance! Delifrance is nothing like Pret, I am a big fan of Pret and I think people in Shanghai will appreciate their service, passion and also they are very clean! I saw a TV show talking about Pret, they are very clean and wash their hands every 20 minutes. All sandwich give to Charity at the end of the day and not left over sandwiches.
Delifrance is not clean and I don't like their food and service, the one in HK are not doing well and they have change their concept to Delifrance bistro.
I just hope Pret should be in Shanghai...................

definetly! I love sandwhiches!
pret personnel

...

I would love love love to see Pret in Shanghai!! but I just can't see the philosophy working here - i'm just not sure if they'd be able to get the quality of ingredients and standards of hygeine and freshness (no preservatives etc) that is their trademark elsewhere, and still be able to price it competitively - aren't they supposed to be made in the store? Can't see getting enough consistancy here to make that work
..... though having said that, Paul charge 40 odd rmb for a sandwich and they still seem to be making money..... I know I'd rather pay for a pret sandwich - especially if they did the christmas special here - I'm drooling just thinking about the turkey, cranberry and that special addition of crunchy bacon bits........ and a pack of veggie crisps.... mmmmmmmm!!
Was this just a random question or is there actually a chance they might be coming?

Hangzhou wrote:Was this just a random question or is there actually a chance they might be coming?

Just a random question by someone almost 2 years ago so grand opening does not look imminent.

I heard from sources they are going to launch in Shanghai and many other major cities in China soon. So watch this space. They can offer decent sandwiches for relatively lowish prices, which will give some of the independent stores that charge 50 RMB for a roll and watery soup something to think about. I can think of Waggas being their main competition.

...

Good post. I appriciate it

pret personnel

izzyshanghaied wrote:Woah hold your horses! it's midnight so don't expect a whole load of replies just yet!

Anyhow - I wouldn't say I am huge fan of Pret but I used to go there maybe once or twice a week for lunch, only because it was right downstairs. Mind you I was pleased when one opened right below me in Singapore.

Pret a Manger had closed in Singapore months ago.. Shanghai is always open to new stores I suppose. The locals are curious and it helps that there are expatriates like us around to take the lead. As for me, I enjoy sandwiches either from Yogo Juice or from C Cafe below Pasti Restaurant. The toasted Paninis rock my day.

YES. They would definitely be successful here! Fresh sandwiches and a smoothie is the best hungover cure one can find!

I'd go. Their crayfish and rocket sandwich is pretty good.

Yes! Definitely!

*BUMP* - I WANT THIS TO HAPPEN.

Would love it also. P i s s e s all over Subway. I just got hungry.

chingiskhan wrote:

crivens200 wrote:Would love it also. P i s s e s all over Subway. I just got hungry.

And all over Element Fresh and Wagas too!

Apart from the seating plan and free internet

I would *LOVE* to see a pret here. I love their sandwiches, especially their christmas one.

I agree that the wording of the poll isn't too good. I wouldn't describe pret as a "coffee shop" I would never go there for coffee, I go their for sandwiches and juices.

As for viability... I don't know, Baker and spice cornered that market a year or so ago (quick and easy sandwiches), however, Mugs > glasses and the quality and variety in pret imo is much better.

I shall hold on to my hope that they will make an entrance!

and fwiw... costa sucks.

I love Pret a Manger since I first discover it in London...and every time I go to HK I grab a sandwich at IFC on my way to the airport.
That said, I think that Pret a Manger would mostly cater to foreigners (as Baker and Spice does). For sure it is a market, but not sure if it is enough to consider starting operations in China. Does anybody think that Pret a Manger could be successful outside Shanghai?