Leon, after entering administration in December, has shut down 22 restaurants and terminated 244 jobs. The most recent report by administrators at Quantuma Advisory indicates that Leon’s current workforce stands at 573 employees. The fast-food chain had previously announced plans to close approximately 20 unprofitable locations.
Although a detailed list of the closed branches has not been disclosed by Leon, notable closures include several restaurants. Financial difficulties have plagued the company, with reported losses of £12.5 million in 2023, £8.3 million in 2024, and an estimated £10 million for 2025.
Co-founder John Vincent revealed intentions to expand into service stations, airports, and train stations during an interview on the BBC Big Boss Interview podcast. Mr. Vincent emphasized the strategic importance of focusing on transport hubs, citing the higher profitability potential compared to high street locations.
Attributing the closures to impending changes in business rates calculation and overall cost escalations, Mr. Vincent highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate. Leon, established in 2004 by Mr. Vincent, Henry Dimbleby, and Allegra McEvedy, operates 44 company-owned restaurants along with 22 franchised outlets.
In a strategic move, Mr. Vincent repurchased the business from Asda in 2025, after it was acquired by the EG Group in 2021 and subsequently integrated into Asda’s operations in 2023. He expressed that Asda’s focus on other priorities led to Leon not aligning with their strategic vision.
To support employees affected by the store closures, Leon has implemented a program offering redeployment within the company or redundancy payments where relocation is not viable. Additionally, a collaboration with Pret A Manger provides a channel for affected Leon employees to seek employment opportunities.
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