Pret A Manger, the renowned UK-based chain celebrated for its quick-service food and organic-certified coffee, has embarked on a bold new chapter for its United States operations. The company recently announced the appointment of Felipe Athayde, a distinguished executive with a wealth of experience in the quick-service industry, as its new U.S. president. This strategic leadership change signals Pret A Manger's ambitious plans for substantial growth and market penetration in North America. Athayde's proven track record, particularly his previous role leading Tim Hortons in the U.S., positions him as a pivotal figure in propelling Pret's expansion efforts and solidifying its standing in the competitive American food-to-go landscape. The move is a clear indication of Pret A Manger's intent to significantly enhance its footprint beyond its existing network of 66 locations across the continent, with a strong focus on key urban centers like New York City.

Pret A Manger Charts Ambitious Course with New US Leadership

In a significant development for the quick-service and coffee sector, the UK's widely recognized chain, Pret A Manger, officially welcomed Felipe Athayde as its new U.S. president on July 23, 2025. This pivotal appointment comes as Pret A Manger sets its sights on an aggressive expansion strategy across the American market. Athayde, a seasoned professional in the quick-service food and beverage industry, brings a formidable background to his new role. His previous leadership experience includes a notable tenure as the U.S. president of Tim Hortons, a role that saw him navigate and grow a significant North American brand.

Athayde's mandate is clear: to substantially increase Pret A Manger's physical presence beyond its current 66 North American establishments. As of late 2022, the company had 64 U.S. locations, with over 40 of these concentrated in the bustling New York City metropolitan area. This focused expansion underscores the immense potential Athayde sees in the American food-to-go market. In a recent statement, Athayde expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting his long-standing admiration for the Pret brand and the vast opportunities that lie ahead in what he describes as the world's largest food-to-go market. His mission, as he articulated, is to unlock this potential and guide Pret A Manger into its next phase of robust growth.

Before joining Pret A Manger, Athayde served as the Chief Executive Officer of Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB), an investment platform dedicated to bolstering established regional restaurant chains. His extensive career also includes nearly a decade at Restaurant Brands International (RBI), where he held senior executive positions, including President of Tim Hortons' U.S. operations, Americas President for Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, and Latin American President for Burger King. Pret A Manger has consistently prided itself on its unwavering commitment to sourcing 100% organic-certified coffee, a distinction that continues to resonate with consumers. The company became part of the European coffee holdings conglomerate JAB in 2018, joining an impressive portfolio that includes Keurig Dr Pepper, Panera Brands, and JDE Peet's, which oversees brands like Stumptown and Intelligentsia.

The appointment of Felipe Athayde signals an exciting period for Pret A Manger in the United States. His extensive experience in growing major quick-service brands, combined with Pret's strong brand identity and commitment to quality, creates a powerful synergy for future success. This strategic move could very well redefine Pret A Manger's presence in the competitive U.S. market, setting a new benchmark for expansion and operational excellence within the quick-service coffee and food industry.