Leon Restaurants

Leon is an upmarket fast food chain based in the United Kingdom.

Leon was founded by John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby (son of David Dimbleby) with chef Allegra McEvedy. The brand was named after Vincent's father, Leon. LEON created their naturally fast food concept and opened their first outlet in Carnaby Street in 2004. Six months after opening, LEON was named the “Best New Restaurant in Great Britain” at The Observer Food Monthly Awards. In March 2009, McEvedy gave up her role at LEON to focus on writing and television work, but remains a shareholder.

As of April 2016, LEON have 47 stores and in June 2016 the first LEON outside England opened in Amsterdam.

The Financial Times reported in February 2012 that LEON had hired Brad Blum, former Burger King chief executive, to advise on expansion plans and that they had signed a deal with US-based HMSHost to open their first two franchised outlets in the US.HMSHost operate 6 LEON locations in transport hubs around the UK, including Heathrow Terminal 2, Heathrow Terminal 3, King's Cross Station, Euston Station, Eurotunnel, East Midlands Airport & Stansted Airport. LEON is eyeing a US expansion in 2016. By establishing a growing presence in transport hubs around the UK, the founders are hoping to reach an international audience, and help create demand for LEON ahead of overseas openings.

As well as running restaurants LEON has produced a series of cookbooks which are marketed in Germany, the UK and the US.

Co-founder John Vincent is the CEO of LEON. Co-founder Henry Dimbleby is a founder director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and co-founder of London Union.

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