Leon to lean on digitalisation to offset labour shortage

The brand reported a like-for-like sales growth of 19.3% in 2022.

UK fast-food chain Leon reported revenue of £82.6m in the year ending 25 December 2022 as the business reported continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weekly sales in Leon’s restaurants improved weekly, though the year remained challenging as the economy slowed down.

Leon reported that rail and tube strikes affected the business as mainly all of its restaurants are located in transport hubs, resulting in lower footfalls.

For 2022, Leon had an operating loss of £12.6m, compared to £7.5m in 2021.

Meanwhile, Leon identified that labour shortages could impact the brand’s growth plans. Leon said the digitalisation of their restaurants will help offset some of the risk. The brand also plans to review its pay, benefits, and training to ensure that it will keep and attract talent.

Leon’s management said it is confident that sales will continue to recover, supported by improvements seen throughout 2023.

For 2022, Leon opened 14 company-owned restaurants and three new franchise units whilst it closed down two company-owned restaurants, three franchise units, and two dark kitchen locations.