Leon to Cut Jobs and Close Fast Food Restaurants Amid Restructuring Efforts
Leon, a fast-food chain operating 54 outlets, is set to close several restaurants and reduce its workforce as part of a restructuring process led by appointed administrators. Co-founder John Vincent repurchased the business in October 2025 after previously selling it to the Issa brothers’ EG Group for £100 million. Since the buyback, 10 outlets have been shuttered, including three overseas franchises.
The chain has engaged advisers from Quantuma with the aim of placing the business into administration to manage its debt load and secure its long-term viability. As part of the plan, Leon intends to close its least profitable sites and either renegotiate or release leases, with some locations potentially taken over by other brand operators. Efforts are ongoing to find roles for affected employees within other Leon outlets or at Pret a Manger.
Leon announced it will discontinue its £25-a-month loyalty program, Roast Rewards, from January. The company's financial performance has declined, with sales in 2024 falling nearly 4% to £62.5 million and a pre-tax loss of £8.38 million. In 2023, Asda acquired Leon alongside most of EG Group's UK operations.
