A popular international restaurant chain made a major push into Southern California just a few years ago, hoping to establish a much larger presence in the region. Instead, the brand has now pulled back dramatically, leaving just one location operating in the area.
Ambitious expansion plans
Pret a Manger, the London-based chain known for freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, wraps, coffee and other grab-and-go foods, entered Southern California with ambitious plans. In 2022, Pret partnered with Dallas Holdings on an agreement to develop at least 40 locations in the region over several years.
The first standalone Los Angeles location opened in Westwood in 2024, followed by additional locations including Studio City and Westfield Century City. At the time, the expansion represented a significant push by the British chain to establish itself on the West Coast.
Most Southern California locations have closed
That expansion has now largely unraveled.
According to a new report from SFGATE, only Pret’s location inside Los Angeles International Airport remains open in Southern California. The Westwood and Westfield Century City restaurants closed earlier this year, while the Studio City location also appears to have shut down…