Pret a Manger is a 30-year-old sandwich and salad chain that's realizing there's a greater demand for meat-free options than there was a few years ago and is now experimenting with a new concept.
In June this summer, Pret a Manger will be launching a vegetarian-only fast casual pop-up. The global chain attributes much of its incredible success last year to the number of vegetarian-friendly options on the menu. Now, CEO Clive Schlee says: "We are doing this both to challenge our chefs to come up with delicious veggie and vegan food and to ask our customers what they think should end up on Pret’s shelves permanently."
A newfound interest in plant-based eating and a continued rise in overall health consciousness has created plenty of room for all-vegan and vegetarian eateries to be successful.
Vegetarian Offshoot Pop-Ups
Pret a Manger is Experimenting with a Meat-Free Restaurant Concept
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Eating - The rise in overall health consciousness and interest in plant-based eating presents an opportunity for all-vegan and vegetarian eateries to thrive.
2. Meat-free Options - The demand for meat-free options is increasing, leading to a need for innovative and delicious vegetarian and vegan food in the fast casual sector.
3. Pop-up Restaurants - The concept of pop-up restaurants allows for experimentation and gathering customer feedback, providing an avenue to test new vegetarian concepts and gather valuable insights.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Casual Dining - The fast casual dining industry can capitalize on the growing demand for meat-free options by providing innovative and delicious vegetarian and vegan food choices.
2. Food and Beverage Retail - The food and beverage retail industry can explore offering a wider range of plant-based products to cater to the increasing interest in plant-based eating among consumers.
3. Restaurant Innovation - Restaurants can embrace the trend of pop-up concepts to experiment with vegetarian and vegan offerings, giving customers a chance to provide feedback and shape permanent menu options.