Pret A Manger Opens First Drive-Through Store to Expand Business

May 5, 2026, 15:29
UKOther

Introduction

Pret A Manger has opened its first drive-through location at the BP Oakwood Gate service station in Cheshire.

Main Body

The new 2,000-square-foot store near junction 21 of the M6 shows a strategic move toward roadside service stations. This project was developed with the help of Motor Fuel Group. The site includes a digital ordering system, seating for 48 customers, and electric vehicle charging points. This location serves as a test to see if drive-through services are a good fit for the brand's future growth. In the past, the company focused mostly on high streets and transport hubs, with 220 of its 500 UK stores located in airports and train stations. However, the company now wants to reduce its dependence on the London market and grow in other regions. To support this, Pret is introducing made-to-order food and cheaper meal deals to attract more lunchtime customers and increase profits. From a market perspective, drive-throughs are becoming very popular in the UK, with over 2,600 such sites nationwide. Although McDonald's dominates this market with more than 1,000 locations, Pret A Manger is attempting to attract customers who need food while traveling. This transition is made easier through their partnership with Motor Fuel Group, their largest UK franchise partner.

Conclusion

Pret A Manger has entered the drive-through market in Warrington as part of a larger plan to grow across different regions of the UK.

Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Power-Up': Moving from Simple to Strategic

An A2 student says: "Pret wants to sell more food in the UK."

A B2 student says: "Pret is attempting to reduce its dependence on the London market."

What is the difference? Precision and Intent. To reach B2, you must stop using 'general' verbs (like want, get, do) and start using 'strategic' verbs.

🛠️ The Linguistic Shift: Strategic Verbs

Look at how the article describes business movements. Instead of using basic words, it uses words that explain why and how something is happening:

  • "Dominate" →\rightarrow (Not just 'be the biggest'). It means to have total control over a space.
    • Example: "McDonald's dominates the drive-through market."
  • "Reduce dependence on" →\rightarrow (Not just 'stop using'). It means to make yourself less reliant on one single thing.
    • Example: "The company wants to reduce its dependence on London."
  • "Attempting to attract" →\rightarrow (Not just 'trying to get'). This sounds professional and intentional.
    • Example: "Pret is attempting to attract travelers."

🧩 Pattern Breakdown: [Verb] + [Specific Target]

To sound more fluent, stop using "very" or "really" and use a stronger verb-noun combination:

A2 (Basic)B2 (Strategic)Context from Text
To make more moneyTo increase profits"...increase profits"
To change thingsA strategic move"...shows a strategic move"
To grow a bitExpand business"...to expand business"

💡 Pro Tip: When you write your next email or essay, highlight every time you used the word 'want' or 'try'. Replace them with words like 'aim to', 'attempt to', or 'seek to'. This is the fastest way to bridge the gap to B2.

Vocabulary Learning

strategic (adj.)
Planned to achieve a long‑term goal.
Example:The company’s strategic move was to open a new store on the highway.
digital (adj.)
Relating to technology that uses computers.
Example:Customers can place orders on a digital kiosk.
charging (noun)
The process of supplying electricity to a device.
Example:The charging points are located beside the parking lot.
dependence (noun)
Reliance on something for support or benefit.
Example:The company wants to reduce its dependence on the London market.
dominates (v.)
To have the greatest influence or control over something.
Example:McDonald’s dominates the fast‑food market in the UK.
largest (adj.)
The biggest in size, number, or importance.
Example:Motor Fuel Group is the largest UK franchise partner.
partnership (noun)
A cooperative relationship between two or more parties.
Example:Their partnership with Motor Fuel Group helps expand the brand.
franchise (noun)
A business that operates under a larger company’s brand and system.
Example:The new outlet is a franchise of Pret A Manger.
transition (noun)
A change from one state or condition to another.
Example:The transition to drive‑through services is gradual.
drive-through (adj./noun)
A service that allows customers to order and receive goods without leaving their car.
Example:The drive‑through location is designed for quick service.
junction (noun)
A place where two or more roads meet.
Example:The store is located near junction 21 of the M6.
project (noun)
A planned undertaking with a specific goal.
Example:The new store is part of a larger project to expand.
support (verb)
To help or assist in achieving a goal.
Example:The company will support the new store with marketing.
made-to-order (adj.)
Prepared specifically for a customer’s request rather than pre‑made.
Example:Made‑to‑order sandwiches are available at the new outlet.
cheaper (adj.)
Costing less money than something else.
Example:Cheaper meal deals attract more lunchtime customers.