HEALTHY fast food chain, Leon has confirmed that the north is included as part of major Irish expansion plans.
The brand, which has over 50 restaurants in the UK, in addition to outlets in the Netherlands, Norway and the US, has said it will open 20 restaurants in Ireland by 2023, creating 600 jobs across the service industry.
The first Irish location is to be located on Crown Alley in Temple Bar and will open in May, while the London-based chain will open a second outlet later this year in Dundrum Town Centre.
Up until now it had been unclear whether the north was part of the Irish expansion plans, but the company has now confirmed it is "committed to branching into Northern Ireland, but just not committed to any specific locations at the moment".
The brand has said it will be looking at locations in "key urban centres around the country", with a location in Belfast likely to form part of the Irish expansion.
Leon’s food is based around the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and prides itself on creating fast food that not only tastes good, but makes you feel good too.
Stuart Fitzgerald, part of the team responsible for bringing Leon to Ireland, said they are delighted to reveal the ambitious expansion plans.
"We are very proud to be able to say we will be making such a positive impact on the Irish economy over the next five years with the creation of 600 jobs and using so many Irish suppliers in our various locations across the country. We are so excited to be bringing a unique brand like Leon to Ireland.”
“LEON is all about magic fast food, made with natural flavours and ingredients, served to you super quick with amazing, warm service in a welcoming environment,” he added.
