Target to open a better-for-you restaurant

When Target opens its newest format, called CityTarget next Wednesday in downtown Chicago, the store will have a better-for-you restaurant.

According to a report in USA Today, the restaurant will be called Pret A Manger ("Ready to Eat" in French), a tiny but respected chain recognized for quality food made fresh daily with natural ingredients.

It will sell only preservative-free food, antibiotic-free meats, items made with cage-free eggs and even vegan salads, with calories posted on every menu item.

Each Pret A Manger has its own kitchen, and the menu features fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and freshly baked baguettes.

Right now, it's only in one store, but it's certain that other retail chains and those in the better-for-you business will be watching Target's move closely at a time when U.S. obesity rates are at record highs and New York is looking to ban sugary drinks.

"If Target can make this work, it will be incredible to watch," Christopher Muller, dean at the hospitality school at Boston University said in the article.

Target executives say there are no plans for more Pret operations in other Targets.

Shawn Gensch, senior vice president of marketing for Target said in the article, "where it goes from here remains to be seen." And as Target opens more urban locations, he added, it will at least consider healthier food options on a one-by-one basis.

While the Pret chain is well-known in the UK, it is tiny in the U.S. with only 43 locations in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C.