WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- LEON, the U.K.-based Naturally Fast Food chain, is introducing the plant-based LOVe Burger to its U.S. menu. This "hug in a bun" is made of 100% plants and is the first of many vegan additions for 2019, a year that will be filled with dishes that center around nourishment and comfort; that are kind to our bodies as well as kind to the planet.
Launching on February 12, the new vegan burger is made with a soy-beetroot patty and is topped with a vegan Carolina mustard mayo, LEON's burger sauce, tomatoes, pickles and a slice of smoked gouda-style vegan cheese.
"The LOVe burger is made up of everything our guests love about LEON – it's fast food that both tastes good and does you good," said Glenn Edwards, Managing Director of LEON. "As with everything LEON does, this plant-based burger continues making it easier for everybody to eat well and live well, whilst being kind to the planet. Our guests in the U.K. have raved about this fast food blockbuster, and we are excited to introduce it here in D.C."
LEON developed the LOVe Burger in response to a growing body of evidence supporting a link between gut and mental health. Recent research, observed by gut health guru Dr. Megan Rossi, has found that a more plant-based diet can encourage the growth of healthy gut microbiota that in turn can talk to the brain.
This important link is known as the gut-brain-axis - connecting two complex systems both physically and biochemically. "Eating a diet full of plants of all colors, fresh herbs and spices, good fats, seeds and nuts, and considering meat and fish as a side dish, with a healthy dose of fermented food in the mix too, makes for a happy, healthy gut - and in turn the potential for a happier, healthier you," said Dr. Rossi.
Additionally, dishes like the LOVe Burger, made entirely of plants, can help leave our planet in better health by reducing the carbon footprint of heavy red meat consumption.
LEON will continue to offer its everyday favorites based on the rich Mediterranean diet, from the Smoked Salmon and Avocado Egg Pot and Yogurt of the Gods for breakfast to the all-day offerings of the Truffled Mushroom and Halloumi Sandwich and Moroccan Meatballs Hot Box. Fans of the iconic Meatless Meatballs in the U.K. can look forward to seeing them on the U.S. menu later this year, along with several other new vegan and plant-based options.
D.C. represents the fifth international city for the U.K.-based restaurant concept. LEON has grown to 63 restaurants since 2004 with locations in Oslo, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Gran Canaria, and has plans to grow in other cities across Europe and the U.S.
LEON is located at 1724 L Street NW and guests will soon have more opportunities to get their fill of LEON's nutrient-rich, plant-based foods with the upcoming opening of a second D.C. location at 655 New York Avenue in the spring.
About LEON Restaurants
LEON was founded in 2004 with the mission to 'make it easier for everyone to eat and live well.' The company has 63 locations in the U.K., Norway, and the Netherlands. LEON is led by co-founder and CEO John Vincent and is backed by two principal investors including Brazil-based GP Investments, a leading global private equity fund, and London-based, Active Private Equity. In 2017, GP Investments' subsidiary, Spice Private Equity invested in LEON to fund its growth in Europe and the US.
LEON has been an award-winning brand from the start, earning recognition as Best Newcomer in 2005 and a steady stream of accolades since, including Best Quick Service Restaurant. LEON was named Raymond Blanc Sustainability Hero in 2017 and is the recipient of the People Award for Employee Engagement, the Responsible Capitalism Award, and was given the award for Best Company in addition to its other credits. LEON also offers exclusive benefits to their LEON Lovers Club members. More information about LEON Restaurants can be found by visiting https://leon.co/us. More information about Dr. Megan Rossi and her research can be found at https://theguthealthdoctor.com/ and @TheGutHealthDoc.
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