Pret a Manger leaves Southern California after promising 40 stores — just one remains open

Grab-and-gone. Iconic UK-eatery Pret a Manger, often referred to as Pret, found great success in Britain and New York City with its affordable grab-and-go baked goods, salads and soups. Back in 2022, the sandwich-and-coffee chain announced a major expansion, revealing it planned to dominate Southern California with 40 new stores. But four years later, the only spot left open in Southern California is inside LAX at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. In fact, the London-born brand has gone so far as to close three locations across the city. The first of the four spots to open was in 2024 and was posted up in the Westwood neighborhood near UCLA. Iconic UK-eatery Pret a Manger, often referred to as Pret, found great success in Britain and New York City with its affordable grab-and-go bake