As the soaring popularity of weight loss injections, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, continues to reshape the fast-food industry, one British chain sees it as a chance to revive its fortunes. Leon, the healthy fast-food restaurant, believes these appetite-suppressing drugs present an “opportunity” for its business model.
John Vincent, one of Leon’s original co-founders, recently bought back the company from Asda and is now aiming to resurrect the high street brand. He told the BBC that the type of food Leon originally served, such as salads, tapas and protein-rich meatballs, is exactly “the sort of food people on weight loss jabs want to eat.”
With around 1.5 million Britons currently using the weight loss jabs, which work by mimicking a natural hormone to regulate blood sugar, appetite and digestion, the demand for healthier fast-food options is on the rise. This trend has caused concern among some eateries, with the boss of Greggs recently stating that the drugs have led customers to seek “smaller portions”, impacting sales.
However, Leon sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with its original mission of providing good quality, nutritious fast-food. Vincent acknowledged that the company has “drifted” from this vision in recent years, leading to financial struggles. The chain was forced to shut down several restaurants and cut jobs after appointing administrators to oversee a major restructuring.
Rising costs and an “unsustainable” tax burden in the hospitality industry were also cited as factors contributing to Leon’s woes. But the new owner is determined to bring back the brand’s simplicity and focus on providing the “best food for the most people.”
Some restaurants have already started adapting their menus to cater to the weight loss jab trend, with chef Heston Blumenthal launching a reduced portion size menu at his Fat Duck restaurant. A similar approach could potentially benefit Leon as it seeks to revive its fortunes and reclaim its position as a leader in the healthy fast-food market.
