Leon plans first drive thru restaurant as it prepares for 'accelerated' UK expansion

The 50+ cover restaurant, which is set to launch in the autumn, will be the first new opening for the brand since it was acquired by forecourt retailer and fast food operator EG Group back in April​​. 

It will be the first of many planned drive-thru openings for the brand and the start of a focused and accelerated UK expansion, with additional locations already identified.

"This is the first of many new, strategic openings for the Leon brand under EG ownership," says Mohsin and Zuber Issa, co-founders and co-CEOs of EG Group.

"Opening a Leon drive-thru concept is a landmark moment for the brand, creating a fantastic opportunity to bring Leon’s naturally fast food to even more people. 

"Our investment in Leon, together with our unparalleled operational experience of drive-thrus and access to high-quality roadside locations through our forecourts, creates new opportunities for the company and a strong platform to deliver significant growth.”

The new west Yorkshire site will create 30 new jobs for the area, and a recruitment drive is about to commence across all positions from the kitchen to management. 

It will be a 'digital-first' restaurant with kiosks for digital ordering and payments, and feature product innovations and exclusive menu developments that will focus on family eating and include an expanded children’s menu. 

Sustainability will be at the forefront of both the build and finished restaurant.

The eco-friendly site will be supplied with power from a 100% renewable energy source. It will have solar panels on the roof which will contribute to further reducing energy consumption and, post-launch, it is planning to install a wind turbine that will generate even more sustainable power.

There will also be electric vehicle charging and bike racks to encourage cyclists and cycle-thru guests.