British Chain Leon Lands In D.C. Soon, With Another on the Way

British fast-food chain Leon is almost ready to expose downtown diners to its lineup of toasts, vegan meatballs, mezze salads, and chicken burgers — all served in under three minutes.

The health-conscious brand, which counts Prince Charles and Pippa Middleton as customers at some of its 50 locations across London, is tentatively scheduled to debut its first U.S. location at 1724 L St NW the week of Monday, September 10.

To accommodate downtown workers with long hours, the 2,000-square-foot space is scheduled to operate 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. It’ll also be open on weekends with shorter hours.

Eater has learned its next D.C. location is opening some time next spring in Mount Vernon Triangle along Seventh Street NW. Leon could plant as many as 20 locations across the D.C. area within the next three years, the team told Eater this summer.

Its almost-finalized D.C. menu is projected to feature egg pots, oatmeal porridges, and yogurt parfaits in the morning, followed up by vegan falafel wraps, truffled portobello sandwiches, and pesto chicken meatballs later in the day.

Each location sports a different look, and Eater’s sneak peek inside reveals a huge image of a painted orange, female figures, and family photos of Leon staff members hovering over tables. Leon will also sell its branded colorful cookware sets and coffee mugs at the store, along with its cookbook line.

The music list will feature up-and-coming artists, as well as familiar legends like Fleetwood Mac.

D.C. just got another 9-to-5 eating option on the same street with this week’s arrival of Little Sesame.

• British Chain Leon Will Start Blanketing D.C. in ‘Healthy’ Fast Food This August [EDC]
• Little Sesame’s Opening Menu Includes a 10-Hour Egg Pita Sandwich and Floral Black Tea [EDC]