Leon, healthy fast food chain led by Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent has announced that it is looking to open 10 restaurants over the next three years, creating around 200 jobs in the process, with the funds raised through its recently launched bond scheme.
The scheme aims to raise around £1.5 million, which offers customers a gross return of 10% for a £1,500 investment rising to 15% for an investment of £5,000 and repayment after three years.
The 13-strong chain recently opened its first site in an airport at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 under its franchise agreement with American firm HMSHost.
It is thought that Leon, which currently operates a further 11 sites across London and at Bluewater, is looking at number of further site opportunities in transport hubs with HMSHost both in the UK and internationally.
It is understood to be close to signing up on another three sites.
Earlier this week, the group kicked off the launch of its brand new customer bond with a £1,000 customer giveaway. One lucky customer was picked at random yesterday at Leon’s branch on the Strand and was served up a tray of £eon Pounds, worth £1,000 to spend in the restaurant.
Leon’s bond scheme will also help to set up the not-for-profit Leon foundation, dedicated to making it easy for everyone to eat good, healthy food.
Dimbleby said: “Our vision is to become an international fast food business, growing through franchise and owned stores. We would like to have a Leon on every high street in the UK but at the same time we will expand carefully and ensure we retain the quality which is at the heart of the brand.”
Vincent said: "Savers can't get the rates, banks aren't lending to businesses – and this is despite the government giving them money to do so. So let's cut out the middle man. Our customers regularly send us emails asking us to open near their office or near their home. This is a way that customers can get us there and benefit financially too."
