Leon, the fast-food chain that entered administration in December, has closed down 22 restaurants and cut 244 jobs. Quantuma Advisory administrators disclosed that Leon now employs 573 staff after the recent closures aimed at improving profitability.
Although the specific list of shuttered branches is undisclosed, reports indicate that some affected locations include those that were no longer financially viable. The company faced significant financial losses of £12.5 million in 2023, £8.3 million in 2024, and nearly £10 million based on preliminary 2025 figures.
Co-founder John Vincent revealed plans to shift focus towards opening more restaurants in transport hubs such as service stations, airports, and train stations. Vincent emphasized the potential for higher profits in these locations, citing a more favorable profit margin compared to traditional high street sites.
Attributing the closures to impending changes in business rates calculation and rising operational costs, Vincent highlighted the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic climate. Leon, established in 2004 by Vincent, Henry Dimbleby, and Allegra McEvedy, operates 44 company-owned restaurants along with 22 franchised outlets.
Notably, Vincent repurchased the business from previous owner Asda in 2025, following its acquisition by EG Group in 2021 and subsequent integration into the Asda business in 2023. Leon has initiated a support program for employees affected by store closures, facilitating potential re-employment within the company or through partnerships with other establishments like Pret A Manger.