LEON

LEON

Naturally fast food

Fast food doesn’t need to be unhealthy. LEON created the category of Naturally Fast Food, showing that fast food can taste good, do you good and be affordable. We supported LEON on its mission to make it easier for everyone to eat and live well.

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Founders

John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby

Founded

2004

Leon operates over 70 restaurants today across the UK and Europe. Active invested in 2008 when the company had their very first restaurant in Carnaby Street and we supported the founders tirelessly in their quest to bring healthy food to everyone across the UK and into international markets. The brand now defines healthy fast food globally with a unique menu – a powerful combination of food and flavour innovation – and quick service format.

Over the course of our investment the team dramatically strengthened operational efficiency, built a culture inspired by wellbeing for both colleagues and customers, and expanded into the grocery market, rolling out products successfully across several British retailers. Leon’s cookbooks, own-branded groceries and ready-meals sold in supermarkets were an exciting part of the expansion of the brand. In 2021, we exited the business when Leon was sold to EG Group.