Leon Shut 22 Branches and Cut 244 Jobs
Here’s the blunt reality: 22 locations are pulling down the shutters, and 244 team members are leaving the building. That’s about 10% of their entire workforce, per reports from Sky News. The cuts hit areas like London and the South East hardest, where foot traffic has become a luxury item.
Leon says the move is about “strengthening the brand” and focusing on sites that actually make money. Think of it as a Marie Kondo moment—sparking joy only in the profitable corners. They’re trimming the fat, literally and metaphorically, to avoid becoming a cautionary tale on a podcast about retail collapse.
This isn’t a total meltdown, though. Leon still has around 60 UK sites left, plus a growing presence in airports and service stations. The chicken isn’t cooked yet; they’re just changing the recipe.
Why Now? The Triple Whammy
First, there’s the cost of living crisis. When your weekly shop costs more, a £9 “Buddha Bowl” becomes a “maybe next week” item. Consumer confidence is lower than a snake’s belly, and casual dining is feeling the squeeze.
Second, energy bills are through the roof. Running a kitchen with fryers, fridges, and ovens 12 hours a day is like heating a small swimming pool with cash. Leon, like many, got hit by soaring utility costs that they couldn’t pass on to customers without looking greedy.
Third, competition is brutal. Pret A Manger, Itsu, and even the supermarket meal deal are all fighting for the same lunch crowd. Leon’s USP—healthy, fast, warm—is no longer unique. Everyone does “clean” now.