Decisions That Made Me: Julian Metcalfe (Itsu and Pret A Manger)
Julian Metcalfe started Pret A Manger and later Itsu, also a fast food chain. He talks to Evan about the lessons he鈥檚 learned.
An early passion for the high street meant Julian Metcalfe was determined to get into retail from the get-go. He and his partner Sinclair Beecham founded Pret A Manger when he was just 26. In 2008 Pret was sold to a private equity firm, and Julian no longer had a say in the company鈥檚 future. Now Julian is in charge of Itsu, an Asian-inspired fast-food chain. The food entrepreneur talks to Evan Davis about how he is determined not to lose his decision-making role this time around.
Production team:
Producer: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: John Scott
Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison
Last on
Broadcasts
- Sat 26 Jul 2025 19:00麻豆社 Radio 4
- Sun 27 Jul 2025 12:15麻豆社 Radio 4
- Wed 18 Feb 2026 20:45麻豆社 Radio 4
Podcast
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The Bottom Line
Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show
