Leon announces Roadchef deal to open stores at UK motorway service stations this summer

The deal will see Leon launch roadside branches on the M6 and the M5 in early August

Roadchef said that the restaurant’s 'naturally fast food credentials' will help improve the wellbeing of motorway users in the UK (Leon)

Hungry motorists will have their taste buds tingling after upmarket fast food chain Leon announced it is to open outlets along UK motorways this summer.

The restaurant signed a deal with Roadchef, one of the largest motorway service operators in the UK, that will see Leon launch roadside branches at Norton Canes on the M6 and Strensham South on the M5 in early August, with further expansion planned over the next five years.

The agreement is part of Roadchef’s drive to offer UK motorists a wider choice and one that reflects the diversity of the high street. The company operates 30 service area sites across the UK, with around 52 million motorists visiting every year.

The new restaurants will create nearly 60 jobs at the two sites combined.

Roadchef also said that the restaurant’s “naturally fast food credentials” will help improve the wellbeing of motorway users in the UK. Leon aims to provide a nutritious alternative to traditional fast food chains by using healthy ingredients that are quick and easy to prepare.

Leon managing director John Upton said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Roadchef and taking Leon onto the motorways of Britain. We have always said we want Leon to be where it was most needed – either on the high street or easy to find when you’re out and about. This new partnership with Roadchef will help us provide fun, fast, fresh Leon food to the millions of people who use our motorways every day.”

Founded by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby, son of BBC broadcaster David Dimbleby, and chef Allegra McEvedy in 2004, the restaurant secured £25m in private equity to hasten its international growth in May this year. Leon has already opened two stores in the Netherlands and plans to expand to the US.

Its 2015 revenues rose by almost 50 per cent to £36.9m. Its 2016 accounts are due in September.