Leon is poised to introduce its winning mix of fresh and naturally flavourful fast food to Scandinavia, in partnership with Norway’s UMOE restaurants.
The partnership agreement is based on opening 20 restaurants within the next five years across Norway and Sweden, and the first restaurant will throw open its doors later this year, or early next, in Oslo.
John Vincent, Leon's co-founder and CEO, said, “We created Leon to be the number 1 in Naturally Fast Food. To achieve that we will need to be an international brand, reaching guests wherever they work, shop and live.
'I am so happy that we will be taking Leon to Norway and Sweden. I have huge admiration for the culture and the progressive values.
'Finding the right partner has been critical and we have found that with UMOE, they are a group of like-minded individuals who share our desire to make it easy for everyone to eat and live well every day.'
UMOE is one of Scandinavia’s leading restaurant groups, operating over 360 restaurants and cafes in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Simon Kelsey in his position for business development in Europe developed the relationship, and Managing Director of LEON franchise John Upton and Head of International Development Abe Matamoros helped progress and finalise the agreement.
Sverre Helno, CEO of Umoe Restaurants, said, “With Leon we will meet the desire for fast and healthy food. We believe LEON will appeal to healthy and conscious consumers and we are very excited to establish such an innovative food concept in Norway and Sweden' said Sverre Helno, CEO of Umoe Restaurants.