Leon, following its administration in December, has shut down 22 restaurants and cut 244 jobs. The administrators, Quantuma Advisory, disclosed that Leon now retains 573 employees, with plans to close approximately 20 unprofitable locations.
Specific details of the closed branches have not been publicly released by Leon, but reports indicate closures of several restaurants. Financial reports show 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 intentions to expand Leon’s presence in service stations, airports, and train stations during an interview on the BBC Big Boss Interview podcast. Vincent emphasized the profitability potential of a 2% profit margin at airports compared to high street locations.
Attributing the closures to upcoming changes in business rates calculation and rising operational costs, Vincent expressed concerns over the financial challenges faced by companies in the current market environment.
Established in 2004 by Vincent, Henry Dimbleby, and Allegra McEvedy, Leon operates 44 company-owned restaurants and 22 franchised outlets. Vincent repurchased the business from Asda in 2025 after it was initially acquired by the EG Group in 2021 and integrated into Asda in 2023.
Leon has initiated a support program for employees affected by store closures, aiming to provide alternative job placements within the company or redundancy packages if necessary. Additionally, a collaboration with Pret A Manger offers displaced Leon staff avenues to apply for positions through a dedicated platform.