Leon Restaurants enters administration putting hundreds of jobs at risk

Leon Restaurants Limited, the UK fast casual dining group, entered administration on 10 December 2025 with the appointment of Andrew Andronikou, Brian Burke and Michael Kiely of Quantuma Advisory Limited as joint administrators, as the business seeks to restructure its estate and return to profitability. The company continues to trade while in administration pending a strategic review of the portfolio.

Leon operates a nationwide chain of restaurants focused on so-called healthy fast food and was founded in 2004 by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby and Allegra McEvedy. Vincent reacquired the business in October 2025, several years after selling it to EG Group in a £100 million transaction, before ownership later transferred to Asda as part of a wider acquisition of EG’s UK operations.

Following the buyback, management undertook an initial review that identified a significant number of loss-making sites, particularly in city centre locations impacted by changes in working patterns and footfall since the pandemic. The business has also faced rising operating costs and an increased tax burden affecting the broader hospitality sector.

According to public statements made at the time of the filing, Leon had been generating annual losses of approximately £10 million, prompting a decision to seek the protection of administration to facilitate negotiations with landlords and other stakeholders while formulating a longer-term solution.

The administrators are expected to work with management on a proposed company voluntary arrangement intended to rationalise the restaurant estate, which will likely involve the closure of underperforming locations and amendments to existing lease terms. Leon has indicated that discussions with landlords will take place over the coming weeks.

The company employs around 1,000 staff across its operations. While the number of roles affected has not been quantified, Leon has said it will prioritise redeployment within the remaining estate where possible and has put in place support measures for employees whose roles may be made redundant.

Leon’s grocery and retail products business is not expected to be impacted by the administration process. Management has also signalled that changes to the menu and operating model are planned as part of a broader effort to refocus the brand and improve margins.