Former Pret MD heads lunch! show line-up
Consultant Andrew Walker, the former managing director of Pret A Manger, will share his observations on the competitive lunchtime market during a keynote speech at this year's lunch! trade show.
Walker's session, "Maximising your Lunchtime Opportunity", will take place on the opening day of the sixth annual lunch! exhibition, to be held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 26-27 September.
"I think lunch is the premier place for food retailers to get an insight into all the food innovation that is happening across the country," Walker said.
Drawing on more than 12 years of experience working at Pret, including four years as director of operations, then four-and-a-half years as UK managing director (during which time sales grew from £223m to £350m and EBITDA doubled to £58m), Walker will divulge strategies on how retailers can maximise their sales during the "magic two-hour (lunch) window".
"While innovation is hugely important it's not the only route to success," Walker added.
"A customer-focused approach to service and planning your menu can be equally important."
Day two of the show will feature Andrew Sherick, formerly of Marks & Spencer and the British Sandwich Association.
Sherick's new venture, Mr Sherick's Shakes, will exhibit at the show alongside some 290 other food, drink, packaging, equipment and technology exhibitors.
