All Leon articles
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NewsLeon to bring Roast Rewards coffee subscription to an end
The move comes as the healthy fast-food group, which was recently reacquired by co-founder John Vincent, says it will be letting go of processes that make daily operations more difficult
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NewsJohn Vincent plans major menu and culture overhaul at Leon
The returning co-founder said the healthy food-to-go brand had “lost its leadership on food” while under the ownership of EG Group and Asda
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NewsChristmas classics return to food to go
From Subway’s Ultimate Festive Sub to Costa’s Dubai-style pistachio tiffin, food to go chains are rolling out Christmas menus packed with festive flavours and trendier twists
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OpinionHomecoming: the latest chapter for Leon
As the ownership of Leon comes full circle, could the return of co-founder and former CEO John Vincent be just what the brand needs to reignite its place in consumers’ hearts?
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NewsLeon co-founder John Vincent buys chain back from Asda
The entrepreneur has taken back the business for an undisclosed sum after it was purchased for £100m by EG Group in 2021
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Analysis & Insight‘There’s such appetite for innovation’ – hospitality leaders on new formats, tech opportunities and food development
Leaders from some of the UK hospitality sector’s biggest groups, including Wingstop, Leon, German Doner Kebab, Moto Hospitality and Franco Manca gathered for a roundtable ahead of MCA’s Innovation Conference last week to discuss how they are evolving their businesses for the future
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NewsHenry Dimbleby warns Asda ownership is ‘destroying’ Leon
Leon’s current owners are “destroying” the brand by shifting away from its ethos of ‘healthy fast food’, according to the chain’s co-founder and former food tsar
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Analysis & InsightAutumn menus serve up health-forward indulgence
Cosy flavours return to food to go this autumn, but operators are balancing indulgence with protein-rich, functional, and plant-based offerings
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NewsLeon narrows losses
The chain reported total revenue of £62.5m in 2024 - a slight fall from £64.9m in 2023 - but has exited three sites and seen a significant reduction in its cost base
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InterviewsLeon prioritises digital loyalty as expansion gathers pace
The health-focused QSR brand is increasing investment in digital loyalty and customer retention as it accelerates domestic growth and international franchising, Mac Plumpton tells MCA
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Analysis & InsightVeganuary pivots to a quality-first focus
New plant-based offerings adopt competing trends such as January health kicks and comforting winter indulgence, while serving up both veg-first dishes and plant-based meat substitutes
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Analysis & InsightLeon’s festive offer takes note from seasons past
Head of food Erica Molyneaux tells MCA the brand has learned from unexpected hits and misses over the years, and is now staying true to its mission of nutritious, convenient, fast food
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NewsFestive innovation from Leon and Taco Bell
Leon is introducing a new Christmas Cracker wrap and Praline Dream drinks range, while Taco Bell is taking on the festive sandwich market with a twist on a classic burrito
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NewsLeon achieves strong lfls but losses widen
The Asda-owned brand achieved like-for-like sales growth of 17.5% at its company-owned sites, during the 52 weeks to 31 December 2023, however operating loss was £12.6m for the period.
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Analysis & InsightAutumn menus feature pumpkin spice and all things nice
Classic autumnal flavours, such as maple, cinnamon and pumpkin, make a return to menus, as MCA rounds-up the latest menu launches, featuring Pret, Greggs, Costa Coffee and more
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Analysis & InsightAre Leon and Asda the right fit?
As TDR Capital consolidates its stake in Leon owner Asda, Paul Langston from CACI explores the unlikely demographic crossover between the supermarket group and the healthy food-to-go brand
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NewsLeon launches ‘UK’s cheapest’ coffee subscription
Roast Rewards will cost £25 a month for five barista-made drinks per day and a 20% discount on food, going head-to-head with Club Pret’s £30 subscription
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NewsMac Plumpton joins Leon as MD
Plumpton, formerly of Rosa’s Thai and Tapas Revolution, will succeed Ashley Davis, who stepped up as interim MD after Glenn Edwards’ departure last year
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Analysis & InsightSpring menu innovation juggles indulgence, wellness and sustainability
The season’s latest slew of menu updates sees PizzaExpress going large with family-sharing extra dough, ASK Italian use regenerative flour in its pizza, while Leon also opts for a Mediterranean flavour
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NewsLeon remains focused on nationwide expansion
Managing director Ashley Davis told MCA’s Food to Go conference that there was still more work to do around understanding how to take the healthy fast-food brand to regional towns and cities