Prêt à Manger’s first shop opens in Brussels Midi train station

British sandwich chain Prêt à Manger opened its first food outlet today at Midi train station, opposite the Eurostar and Thalys terminals. A second store will open in the lower concourse of Central train station on 28 August. 

The stores are operated as a franchise by SSP, which has about 40 outlets in the country under the Panos, Coffee Club and Deliway brands. It currently has over 500 Prêt shops in nine countries

In a press statement, Prêt said its catering teams would be serving customer favourites such as vegan and veggie baguettes, veggie and meaty mac & cheese dishes, soups, fresh salads, sweet baked goods and a full breakfast menu. On the drinks front, organic coffees and teas are served hot or over ice. Customers who bring a reusable cup will receive 50 cents off any Barista prepared drink.

The arrival of the chain at Midi station provoked a wave of publicity following the news that it was replacing Sam’s café and its eponymous plastic horse statue dressed as a zebra. Regular clients took to Twitter to express their disappointment at Sam's announced retirement. A Change.org petition was launched, resulting in Prêt welcoming Sam as a member of their team. 

Photo: Sam is so quiet, you hardly know he’s there
©Lynton Jones/Twitter