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[[File:Kingsx-6119.jpg|thumb|Leon, Kings Cross Station, London]]
[[File:Kingsx-6119.jpg|thumb|Leon, Kings Cross Station, London]]


'''Leon''' is a [[fast food restaurant]] chain based in the United Kingdom, founded in 2004.
'''Leon''' is a [[fast food restaurant]] chain based in the United Kingdom, established in 2004.


==History==
==History==
Leon was founded by John Vincent and [[Henry Dimbleby]] with chef [[Allegra McEvedy]].<ref name="Dimbleby1">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/henry-dimbleby-nine-restaurants-and-growing-1772726.html|title=Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing|date=16 August 2009|work=[[The Independent]] |author= Evans, Simon|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="Vincent">{{cite web | url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1213217/john-vincent-co-founder-leon-restaurants | title=John Vincent, co-founder, Leon Restaurants | work=Marketing | date=25 September 2013 | accessdate=5 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thegatewayonline.com/articles/food/leon|title=If God owned McDonald's...|author1=Bordell, Tom |author2=Jaffer, Mehdi |publisher= The Gateway|accessdate=23 September 2012| location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/allegra_mcevedy|title=Food chefs: Allegra McEvedy|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=23 September 2012| location=London}}</ref> The business was named after Vincent's father, Leon<ref name = Dimbleby2>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/henry-dimbleby-nine-restaurants-and-growing-1772726.html|title=Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing|work=[[The Independent]] |date= 16 August 2009|author= Evans, Simon|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="Vincent"/><ref name="Director">{{cite news |url=http://www.director.co.uk/magazine/2008/7%20July/leon_61_12.html|title=Profile: Leon|last= Nielsen |first=Tina |date=July 2008|work=Director magazine|accessdate=8 January 2015 | location=London}}</ref> and opened its first outlet in [[Carnaby Street]] in 2004.<ref name="Saskia Leon">{{cite web|last1=Restaurants|first1=Leon|title=Vision|url=http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/vision/|website=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/fast-food-neednt-be-junk-food-523835.html|title=Fast food needn't be junk food|last=Scott-Moncrieff|first=Chloe|date=22 January 2006|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref> Six months after opening, Leon was named the "Best New Restaurant in Great Britain" at [[The Observer#21st century|''The Observer Food Monthly'' Awards]].<ref name= Director/> In March 2009, McEvedy gave up her role at Leon to focus on writing and television work, but remains a shareholder. In 2014, John Vincent took over from Henry Dimbleby as CEO and Dimbleby then left the board in 2017. He also remains a shareholder.
Leon was founded by John Vincent and [[Henry Dimbleby]] with chef [[Allegra McEvedy]].<ref name="Dimbleby1">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/henry-dimbleby-nine-restaurants-and-growing-1772726.html|title=Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing|date=16 August 2009|work=[[The Independent]] |author= Evans, Simon|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="Vincent">{{cite web | url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/1213217/john-vincent-co-founder-leon-restaurants | title=John Vincent, co-founder, Leon Restaurants | work=Marketing | date=25 September 2013 | accessdate=5 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thegatewayonline.com/articles/food/leon|title=If God owned McDonald's...|author1=Bordell, Tom |author2=Jaffer, Mehdi |publisher= The Gateway|accessdate=23 September 2012| location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/chefs/allegra_mcevedy|title=Food chefs: Allegra McEvedy|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=23 September 2012| location=London}}</ref> The business was named after Vincent's father, Leon,<ref name = Dimbleby2>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/henry-dimbleby-nine-restaurants-and-growing-1772726.html|title=Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing|work=[[The Independent]] |date= 16 August 2009|author= Evans, Simon|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="Vincent"/><ref name="Director">{{cite news |url=http://www.director.co.uk/magazine/2008/7%20July/leon_61_12.html|title=Profile: Leon|last= Nielsen |first=Tina |date=July 2008|work=Director magazine|accessdate=8 January 2015 | location=London}}</ref> and opened its first outlet in [[Carnaby Street]] in 2004.<ref name="Saskia Leon">{{cite web|last1=Restaurants|first1=Leon|title=Vision|url=http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/vision/|website=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/fast-food-neednt-be-junk-food-523835.html|title=Fast food needn't be junk food|last=Scott-Moncrieff|first=Chloe|date=22 January 2006|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=23 September 2012 | location=London}}</ref> Six months after opening, Leon was named the "Best New Restaurant in Great Britain" at [[The Observer#21st century|''The Observer Food Monthly'' Awards]].<ref name= Director/>
In March 2009, McEvedy gave up her role at Leon to focus on writing and television work, but remains a shareholder. In 2014, John Vincent took over from Henry Dimbleby as CEO and Dimbleby then left the board in 2017. He also remains a shareholder.


==Restaurants==
==Restaurants==
As of September 2018, Leon had 57 restaurants<ref>{{Cite web|title = Restaurants – Leon Restaurants|url = http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/|website=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate = 15 October 2015}}</ref> and in June 2016 the first Leon outside England opened in [[Amsterdam]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/05/08/healthy-fast-food-chain-leon-reveals-profit-leap---and-its-secre/|title=Healthy fast food chain Leon reveals profit leap – and its secret martial arts experiment|website=The Telegraph|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> Other international openings followed including Utrecht, Oslo, Gran Canaria, Dublin and Leon's first restaurant in the US, in Washington D.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leon-aims-to-help-us-fall-back-in-love-with-fast-food-a3871116.html|title=Leon aims to help US ‘fall back in love’ with fast food|date=25 June 2018|website=Evening Standard|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>
As of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}, Leon had 57 restaurants, and in June 2016, the first Leon outside England opened in [[Amsterdam]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Restaurants – Leon Restaurants|url = http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/|website=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate = 15 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/05/08/healthy-fast-food-chain-leon-reveals-profit-leap---and-its-secre/|title=Healthy fast food chain Leon reveals profit leap – and its secret martial arts experiment|website=The Telegraph|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> Other international openings followed including Utrecht, Oslo, Gran Canaria, Dublin and Leon's first restaurant in the United States, in [[Washington D.C.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leon-aims-to-help-us-fall-back-in-love-with-fast-food-a3871116.html|title=Leon aims to help US ‘fall back in love’ with fast food|date=25 June 2018|website=Evening Standard|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>


In 2015, HMSHost operated six Leon locations in airports and railway stations in southern England and Leon announced an expansion of its relationship with HMSHost in 2018 including a franchise agreement in airports and railway stations across Europe and the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Restaurants|first1=Leon|title=HMS|url=http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/hms/|publisher=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Central & East News|title=Leon Lands at Stansted|url=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/central-and-east/130197-leon-lands-london-stansted/|publisher=insidermedia.com|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lysecki|first1=Sarah|title=HMSHost wins Eurotunnel and East Midlands Airport concessions|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?doc_id=37073|website=Moodiereport.com|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref> By establishing this presence, the company hoped to reach an international audience, and help create demand ahead of further overseas openings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Burn-Callander|first1=Rebecca|title=Leon eyes US expansion|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10870557/Leon-eyes-US-expansion-from-Heathrow-base.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref>
In January 2015, HMSHost operated six Leon locations in airports and railway stations in southern England, and Leon announced an expansion of its relationship with HMSHost in 2018, including a franchise agreement in airports and railway stations across Europe and the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Restaurants|first1=Leon|title=HMS|url=http://leonrestaurants.co.uk/hms/|publisher=Leonrestaurants.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Central & East News|title=Leon Lands at Stansted|url=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/central-and-east/130197-leon-lands-london-stansted/|publisher=insidermedia.com|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lysecki|first1=Sarah|title=HMSHost wins Eurotunnel and East Midlands Airport concessions|url=http://www.moodiereport.com/document.php?doc_id=37073|website=Moodiereport.com|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref> By establishing this presence, the company hoped to reach an international audience, and help create demand ahead of further overseas openings.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Burn-Callander|first1=Rebecca|title=Leon eyes US expansion|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10870557/Leon-eyes-US-expansion-from-Heathrow-base.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qsrmedia.co.uk/international/news/leon-launches-flagship-restaurant-in-gran-canaria-airport|title=LEON launches flagship restaurant in Gran Canaria Airport|website=QSRMedia UK|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qsrmedia.co.uk/international/news/leon-launches-flagship-restaurant-in-gran-canaria-airport|title=LEON launches flagship restaurant in Gran Canaria Airport|website=QSRMedia UK|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>


Leon has published seven [[cookbooks]] which are marketed in Germany, the UK and the United States as well as developing a cookware and tableware line with [[John Lewis (department store)|John Lewis]] stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/20121017/english-restaurateurs-share-ideas-for-healthy-cooking-in-leon-naturally-fast-food|title=English restaurateurs share ideas for healthy cooking in ‘Leon: Naturally Fast Food’|date=17 October 2012|publisher=|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>
Leon has published seven [[cookbooks]] which are marketed in Germany, the January 2015 and the United States as well as developing a cookware and tableware line with [[John Lewis (department store)|John Lewis]] stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/20121017/english-restaurateurs-share-ideas-for-healthy-cooking-in-leon-naturally-fast-food|title=English restaurateurs share ideas for healthy cooking in ‘Leon: Naturally Fast Food’|date=17 October 2012|publisher=|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.johnlewis.com/brand/leon/_/N-1z08x2u|title=LEON - John Lewis & Partners|website=www.johnlewis.com|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref> Leon has won various awards for innovation and sustainability in recent years.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.johnlewis.com/brand/leon/_/N-1z08x2u|title=LEON - John Lewis & Partners|website=www.johnlewis.com|accessdate=12 February 2019}}</ref>


Leon has won various awards for innovation and sustainability in recent years. In 2017, it became a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and won Raymond Blanc's Sustainability Hero award at the Association's ‘Food Made Good’ awards. The chain was also named in the 2017 ''Sunday Times'' Fast Track 100. It has also been named Best Quick Service Restaurant, is the recipient of the People Award for Employee Engagement and the Responsible Capitalism Award.<ref name="Director" />
In 2017, it became a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), and won Raymond Blanc's Sustainability Hero award at the Association's ‘Food Made Good’ Awards. The chain was also named in the 2017 ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' Fast Track 100. It has also been named Best Quick Service Restaurant, is the recipient of the People Award for Employee Engagement and the Responsible Capitalism Award.<ref name="Director" />


Leon is backed by Active Private Equity and in May 2017 Spice Private Equity became a major investor to support further global expansion plans.
Leon is backed by Active Private Equity, and in May 2017, Spice Private Equity became a major investor to support further global expansion plans.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 08:58, 6 September 2019

Leon
Company typePrivate
IndustryRestaurant
GenreFast food
Founded2004
FounderJohn Vincent, Henry Dimbleby and Allegra McEvedy
Headquarters
London
,
United Kingdom
Number of locations
53 (2017)
Area served
United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, United States
Websitehttps://leon.co/
Leon, Kings Cross Station, London

Leon is a fast food restaurant chain based in the United Kingdom, established in 2004.

History

Leon was founded by John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby with chef Allegra McEvedy.[1][2][3][4] The business was named after Vincent's father, Leon,[5][2][6] and opened its first outlet in Carnaby Street in 2004.[7][8] Six months after opening, Leon was named the "Best New Restaurant in Great Britain" at The Observer Food Monthly Awards.[6]

In March 2009, McEvedy gave up her role at Leon to focus on writing and television work, but remains a shareholder. In 2014, John Vincent took over from Henry Dimbleby as CEO and Dimbleby then left the board in 2017. He also remains a shareholder.

Restaurants

As of December 2024, Leon had 57 restaurants, and in June 2016, the first Leon outside England opened in Amsterdam.[9][10] Other international openings followed including Utrecht, Oslo, Gran Canaria, Dublin and Leon's first restaurant in the United States, in Washington D.C.[11]

In January 2015, HMSHost operated six Leon locations in airports and railway stations in southern England, and Leon announced an expansion of its relationship with HMSHost in 2018, including a franchise agreement in airports and railway stations across Europe and the Middle East.[12][13][14] By establishing this presence, the company hoped to reach an international audience, and help create demand ahead of further overseas openings.[15] [16]

Leon has published seven cookbooks which are marketed in Germany, the January 2015 and the United States as well as developing a cookware and tableware line with John Lewis stores.[17][18] Leon has won various awards for innovation and sustainability in recent years.

In 2017, it became a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), and won Raymond Blanc's Sustainability Hero award at the Association's ‘Food Made Good’ Awards. The chain was also named in the 2017 The Sunday Times Fast Track 100. It has also been named Best Quick Service Restaurant, is the recipient of the People Award for Employee Engagement and the Responsible Capitalism Award.[6]

Leon is backed by Active Private Equity, and in May 2017, Spice Private Equity became a major investor to support further global expansion plans.

References

  1. ^ Evans, Simon (16 August 2009). "Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing". The Independent. London. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  2. ^ a b "John Vincent, co-founder, Leon Restaurants". Marketing. 25 September 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  3. ^ Bordell, Tom; Jaffer, Mehdi. "If God owned McDonald's..." London: The Gateway. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Food chefs: Allegra McEvedy". London: BBC. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  5. ^ Evans, Simon (16 August 2009). "Henry Dimbleby: nine restaurants and growing". The Independent. London. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  6. ^ a b c Nielsen, Tina (July 2008). "Profile: Leon". Director magazine. London. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  7. ^ Restaurants, Leon. "Vision". Leonrestaurants.co.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  8. ^ Scott-Moncrieff, Chloe (22 January 2006). "Fast food needn't be junk food". The Independent. London. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  9. ^ "Restaurants – Leon Restaurants". Leonrestaurants.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  10. ^ "Healthy fast food chain Leon reveals profit leap – and its secret martial arts experiment". The Telegraph. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  11. ^ "Leon aims to help US 'fall back in love' with fast food". Evening Standard. 25 June 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  12. ^ Restaurants, Leon. "HMS". Leonrestaurants.co.uk. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  13. ^ Central & East News. "Leon Lands at Stansted". insidermedia.com. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  14. ^ Lysecki, Sarah. "HMSHost wins Eurotunnel and East Midlands Airport concessions". Moodiereport.com. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  15. ^ Burn-Callander, Rebecca. "Leon eyes US expansion". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  16. ^ "LEON launches flagship restaurant in Gran Canaria Airport". QSRMedia UK. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  17. ^ "English restaurateurs share ideas for healthy cooking in 'Leon: Naturally Fast Food'". 17 October 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  18. ^ "LEON - John Lewis & Partners". www.johnlewis.com. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
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