Leon plans expansion despite uncertainity over economy

Healthy fast-food group Leon plans to open up to five new outlets this year, despite the uncertainty over the economy and consumer spending.

The group, which opened a new site at Canary Wharf in London in January, is in talks to open in Bristol's multimillion-pound city-centre development Cabot Circus, as well as its out-of-town shopping centre Cribbs Causeway.

John Vincent, Leon co-founder, said that while consumer spending had gone through a shaky period earlier this year, the eating-out market had come back strongly since, despite the continuing uncertainty.

"We're taking each day as it comes and trying to make it as good as possible," he told Caterersearch.

Vincent confirmed that Leon was in early discussions about franchising the brand overseas with the Middle East and America's New York and the Mid-West options.

Caterersearch has an exclusive video of Leon co-founders John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby talking about Leon at Monday's (23 June) Arena lunch for your enjoyment below.

Arena will be entertaining Charles Wilson, chief executive of Booker, at its next event on 24 September at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel. For more details go to the Arena website.

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By Chris Druce

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