London-born grab-and-go pioneer Pret A Manger has officially launched its flagship store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant entry into one of the Middle East’s fastest-evolving foodservice markets.
Located at the high-profile Al Olaya Towers near Bank Albilad metro station, the new outlet brings Pret’s globally recognised freshly made food and organic coffee offering to the heart of Riyadh’s commercial district. This opening is operated under Pret’s licensed franchise partner, One PM Holding, which also manages its presence in Kuwait and Qatar.
The move is a strategic step in Pret A Manger’s international expansion roadmap, positioning the brand for long-term growth in the Gulf. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s rising appeal to international food retail brands looking to tap into its young, urban consumer base. While Pret already operates three units at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Riyadh store marks its first presence in the Kingdom’s urban retail market and has created 70 local jobs.
“Saudi Arabia represents an exciting opportunity for Pret as we continue to grow across the region,” said a Pret spokesperson. “We’re delighted to be opening our flagship shop in Riyadh with our long-term franchise partner, One PM Holding, and look forward to serving freshly made food and organic coffee to our new customers.”
Established in 1986, Pret A Manger operates over 700 shops across 21 markets. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia mirrors the Kingdom’s rising demand for international foodservice experiences that marry speed, quality, and convenience.
Balancing Global Consistency With Local Relevance
Pret’s signature menu—featuring its Posh Cheddar & Pickle Baguette, Classic Caesar Chicken Salad, Love Bar Brownie, and Souper Tomato Soup—will be served alongside Middle East favourites such as the Mozzarella & Tomato Hot Croissant.
Recognising the importance of local flavour, the Riyadh menu has been carefully adapted to cater to regional preferences. Exclusive items such as the Cheese and Zaatar Hot Croissant, Zaatar and Cheese Twist, and Pulled Beef and Cheese Toastie reflect Pret’s commitment to offering globally consistent quality while honouring local culinary heritage.
Design That Invites and Engages
In line with the brand’s experiential ethos, the Riyadh store offers a spacious, warm interior design, combining contemporary elements with nods to regional aesthetics. The space features a dramatic timber sculptural wall, burgundy textures, and an elevated mezzanine lounge framed by Mashrabiya-inspired latticework. Pret’s iconic star motif anchors the visual identity throughout the double-height dining area, while playful food art celebrates the brand’s core value: freshness.
Strategically situated for both office professionals and on-the-go urban dwellers, the location provides a dual-service experience, encouraging both quick convenience and relaxed dine-in engagement.
A Market Ripe for Expansion
Pret A Manger’s Riyadh debut underlines how global food retail players are actively localising their offerings to succeed in Saudi Arabia’s increasingly diverse and demanding consumer market. Pret appears well-positioned to scale across the Kingdom in the coming years with a proven partner in One PM Holding and a clear appetite for freshly prepared food concepts.
In Retrospect
Previously opened at Jeddah’s airport, the brand is tapping into the Kingdom’s demand for healthy, convenient food options. Its partnership with SSP Group ensured smooth market entry, while locally adapted menu items balance global quality with regional tastes. Pret’s moves reflect broader trends in Saudi Arabia’s evolving foodservice sector and align with Vision 2030’s goal of economic diversification and the development of the retail and hospitality industries, positioning the brand for long-term success in the region.
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