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Longwood Medical Area has always had a dearth of dining options, but a new fast-casual choice debuts later this week. UK-based chain Pret a Manger will open another Boston location on Friday, September 18, preceded by a soft opening ("Guinea Pig Day") on Thursday. Located inside Longwood Center at 360 Longwood Ave., the restaurant measures just over 3,000 square feet, with seating for around 70. Like other locations of the increasingly ubiquitous chain, it will serve a variety of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, as well as tea, coffee, and other drinks. Plus, there will be free wifi. At the end of each day, unsold food is donated to Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.
For Guinea Pig Day on the 17th, diners can come in between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for a free breakfast voucher — or a free lunch voucher good between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Starting on the 18th, regular hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Existing Boston locations include one on Boylston Street in Back Bay and four around the Financial District. Another Back Bay location closed about a year ago.
NOTE: An earlier version of this piece stated that unsold food is donated to Boston Rescue Mission each day, but a representative for the company sent an update after publication — this particular location will be donating to Rescuing Leftover Cuisine.