Prezzo is preparing to open a chain of takeaway pasta shops in train stations, taking on SSP’s Upper Crust and the London classic, Pret a Manger.
Plans are in “early stages” according to chief executive officer Dean Challenger, who is looking to break away from traditional sit-down dining, an industry which has faced significant pressure in recent years.
“Train stations have options like Upper Crust, KFC, Burger King, but there’s nothing available at a slight level above these. I think there’s a gap there,” the Italian restaurant boss said.
Challenger added that the new ‘Pronto’ chain would look to sell pasta-to-go as well as pizza slices because they are “relatively quick” to make.
Casual dining chains like Prezzo have come under pressure during the cost-of-living crisis as inflation drives up costs and reduced consumer spending weakens demand.
More than 700 staff were axed last year along with 46 sites after the restaurant group was forced to undergo measures to save the business.
“If you work through business rates, inflation, national minimum wage and food inflation, [sites in] small market towns, which have smaller average weekly sales, just become unviable,” Challenger added.
He added that the group is also exploring bringing a brunch menu to its restaurants in a bid to boost sales during the traditionally quieter times of the day.