Operations

Pret A Manger formulates plan to phase in reopenings in New York City

The grab-and-go chain created new guidelines and formats for its stores to open this week.
Photograph: Shutterstock

Beginning Tuesday, Pret A Manger is initiating its first wave of reopenings in New York City, continually opening more locations on a biweekly basis through May. The goal is to eventually serve the majority of Manhattan customers and neighborhoods. Pret A Manger stores have been closed in New York City since March 17.

The stores will have limited hours and focus exclusively on takeout and delivery. Operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for takeout and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for delivery, via a partnership with Grubhub/Seamless. In addition, new safety guidelines have been developed that each Pret location must follow upon reopening:

• No more than six customers inside the restaurant at any time. Tape will be applied outside to maintain a 6-foot distance while customers wait to enter.

• Only customers wearing face masks will be allowed to enter.

• Shields will be placed on the till counter to avoid contamination.

• All cutlery, stirrers and napkins will be stored behind the counter and passed to customers on request.

• Only contactless payment will be accepted (Pret app, Apple Pay or credit card).

• Customers will have the option to pack their own bags.

• Hand sanitizer must be available for customer use.

Employees staffing the four locations opening this week will receive an overtime premium of 1½ times their hourly rate.

The chain is also launching Pret Groceries, an on-demand takeout and delivery service. On offer are items such as produce, honey, breads, Pret’s signature granola, quart-sized soups, coffee, tea, milk products and packs of freshly baked cookies. New Yorkers can order groceries and have them delivered to their door within an hour, the chain said.

 

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