Healthy fast food chain Leon has announced it will launch its first US location in Washington D.C. late this summer.
This move from co-founder and CEO John Vincent signifies his intention to introduce a new category of fast food to America and invite people to fall in love with fast food again.
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“Since starting Leon in Carnaby Street in 2004, we have been helping people fall back in love with fast food. From the start, we asked ourselves ‘why can’t fast food be good food?’,” said Vincent. “Leon is our best attempt at creating fast food as it might be in heaven. Food that tastes naturally great, is remarkably good for you, is affordable for all, and is kind to the planet.”
“DC is a wonderful city and I can’t wait to begin our American adventure here. We chose D.C. as our entry point into the US market because of its culturally creative mindset, pedestrian-friendly landscape, and ‘foodie-lifestyle’,” said Vincent. “Choosing the first American city is like trying to choose from your favourite box of chocolates. After D.C. we are looking forward to opening in other cities that have a similar culture of dynamism, positivity and possibility.”
Glenn Edwards, who ran Leon UK as its operations director for seven years, is now the managing director of Leon US and has moved to Washington to direct the new opening. Edwards said: “We are excited about the challenges ahead. We’ve always wanted LEON to be in many cities around the world. Washington D.C. is a great city to start our U.S. journey; it’s such a vibrant, fun, positive city to be in. The response we’ve had to far to the brand, the food and the design has been hugely enthusiastic. We’re excited to get cracking.”
D.C. represents the fourth international city for Leon, which has grown to more than 50 restaurants with locations in Oslo, Amsterdam and Utrecht, with plans to grow in other cities across Europe.
D.C. represents the fourth international city for Leon, which has grown to more than 50 restaurants with locations in Oslo, Amsterdam and Utrecht, with plans to grow in other cities across Europe.
