Pret A Manger is bringing its menu of freshly prepared food and organic coffees to Belgium for the first time in partnership with SNCB/NMBS (the national railway company of Belgium) and SSP (a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in stations and airports).
Pret will open two shops in Brussels at Brussels Midi Station and Brussels Central Station this year. The shops will offer Pret’s classic menu of delicious sandwiches, vibrant salads, colourful wraps, baguettes, croissants and sweet treats alongside juices, smoothies, organic coffees and teas. Using carefully sourced ingredients, Pret’s food will be prepared by teams in on-site kitchens every day, providing customers with a range of veggie, vegan and meat options, and breakfast, lunch and evening dishes.
Michael Haley, Partnerships Managing Director at Pret, said, “We’re delighted our first shops in Belgium will soon open. Finding a quick, fresh and delicious meal while travelling can often be difficult. We’re pleased we will be able to play a part in making it easier for those travelling through Brussels Central and Brussels Midi stations, as well as those who live and work nearby.
“Our partnership with SSP began in France several years ago and we’re looking forward to working with them to open our first shops in Brussels.”
Gérard d’Onofrio, MD of SSP France and Benelux, commented, “We’re thrilled to partner with SNCB/NMBS and Pret to introduce an innovative new food and drink concept to Brussels. We’re looking forward to working with Pret to provide passengers at busy train stations in the city with Pret’s organic coffee and freshly prepared baguettes, salads and hot food.”
Sam the Horse-Zebra
Sam the Horse-Zebra, Gare du Midi station’s unofficial mascot, will remain in his original location at the station (just outside the new Pret shop) and will join the Pret team when the shop opens.
Michael Haley commented, “We’ve listened to feedback and I’m really pleased to announce that Sam the Horse-Zebra will join the Pret team at Gare du Midi, helping to welcome new customers to the shop.”
Working with local charities
As part of Pret’s commitment to help alleviate the pressures of homelessness, the new shops in Brussels are on the look-out for local charities to donate unsold food to at the end of each day. In the UK, Pret’s scheme has distributed over three million food items to homeless charities, hostels and shelters in the last 12 months.
Giovanna Pasini, International Pret Foundation Project Manager, comments, “We’re currently looking for local charities to support through food donations each night and would love to be contacted by any organisations who feel they could benefit from collecting fresh, unsold food from us”.
Interested charities can contact Pret via Giovanna.pasini@pret.com.
