Edinburgh and Dundee set for six new Pret a Manger outlets as Scottish franchisee expands

Pret a Manger was founded in 1983 and now has some 700 locations worldwide, including several in Scotland.

The new store openings are expected to create at least 150 jobs.

Two Scottish cities are set for three new Pret a Manger sandwich and snack outlets apiece after a franchise funding deal was agreed.

Glasgow-based Joup Group has received a seven-figure financing package from HSBC UK to acquire three existing stores and open the six new ones - three in Edinburgh and three in Dundee. The six outlets are expected to open between now and September. Joup Group already owns six Domino’s pizza franchises across Dundee and Angus.

The new store openings are expected to create some 150 jobs - with roles including full-time supervisors to part-time baristas. The funding, and consequent new store openings, will double Joup Group’s turnover.

Chief executive Henry Dawes said: “We are really excited to continue to grow our business by becoming the Pret a Manger franchisee in Scotland. We would not have been able to make this happen if it was not for the consistent support from HSBC UK.”

Kevin McKenna, relationship director at HSBC UK, said: “We are pleased to have supported Joup Group’s ambitions for 14 years now. This funding package is particularly satisfying given the creation of more than 150 jobs, which will provide an economic boost to communities across Scotland. We look forward to seeing the Joup team continue to grow and bring more stores to communities across Scotland.”

Pret a Manger - French for ready to eat - is headquartered in London and was founded in 1983. The business now has some 700 locations worldwide, including around 500 in the UK.