Pret A Manger Gives Free Coffee to Nice, Attractive People

While you've been diligently acquiring punch cards and rewards plastic from all your favorite chains, one coffee company has been giving away free coffee to customers just for being pleasant. In an interview with The Standard, Pret A Manger CEO Clive Schlee revealed that he's been letting employees hand out a quota of free drinks and food at their discretion -- namely to people they like or like like.

Schlee says they considered implementing loyalty cards, but thought it would save time and headaches to simply leave the "rewards" up to the staff. Cashiers can decide to comp a coffee for someone who asks them about their day, or has a cool tattoo, or has piercing eyes. It's completely their call. Schlee claims the system adds up to 28% of customers getting a freebie, which are pretty great odds. So if you think you've got what it takes to be a preferred customer, test your charms at your closest Pret.

Kristin Hunt is a Food/Drink staff writer for Thrillist. She has never had Pret coffee, but is now on a quest to obtain it for free. Follow her at @kristin_hunt.