Actualités

Chez Léon, the iconic Brussels restaurant, announces its sale to Groupe Joulie, a leading independent, family-owned player in the restaurant and hospitality sector, driven by a commitment to preserving tradition and ensuring the long-term continuity of this Belgian institution. Advised by Largillière Finance, the founding family is therefore transferring ownership of the establishment located in the heart of the bustling Grand-Place district.

Founded in 1893 in the heart of Brussels, Chez Léon is an institution of Belgian cuisine, renowned for its warm and lively atmosphere and its iconic specialty, moules-frites. Located just steps away from the Grand-Place, the restaurant has embodied the Brussels art of living for more than 130 years, attracting tourists, celebrities and loyal regulars alike. With 370 indoor seats and 75 on the terrace spread over 2,000 square meters across nine 17th-century buildings, Chez Léon is the largest restaurant in the Belgian capital and gave rise to the eponymous restaurant chain developed in France.

At the helm of the establishment for six generations, the Vanlancker family instills a family spirit among its workforce of around one hundred employees. With a very solid volume of business, Chez Léon serves over a thousand meals a day.

Founded in Paris in 1975 by Gérard Joulie, a passionate gastronome, the group dedicated to restaurant and hospitality activities has gradually expanded while remaining family-owned and independent. With twelve restaurants and four hotels in Paris, it offers a distinctive culinary experience and service, combining French tradition with contemporary innovation. Among its flagship venues are the three Bouillon Chartier restaurants, Le Café du Commerce, l’Auberge DAB, l’Européen and Le Congrès.

Advised by the teams at Largillière Finance, the shareholders of Chez Léon sought to facilitate an intergenerational transfer while ensuring the preservation of the tradition of this iconic Brussels venue. For Groupe Joulie, this flagship of Belgian gastronomy joins its portfolio of establishments offering unique and memorable experiences.

Christophe Joulie, Chairman of the Management Board of Groupe Joulie, said: "Chez Léon upholds a Belgian culinary tradition while elegantly revisiting the great classics of popular Belgian cuisine. Owned and managed by the founding family since its inception, this establishment embodies our core values of excellence, authenticity and passion. We are proud to welcome this institution into our group of renowned venues, and we will be committed to contributing our expertise to continue its story for generations to come."

Kevin Vanlancker, Managing Director and representative of the Vanlancker family, said: "An iconic and internationally renowned address, Chez Léon embodies the spirit of the traditional Belgian brasserie, where generous cuisine is paired with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Our family has led the establishment for six generations. With Groupe Joulie, Largillière Finance identified a group with the same family DNA, sharing our values, committed to preserving tradition while looking firmly to the future. We are pleased to pass on this landmark of Brussels’ popular gastronomy while safeguarding the spirit of the venue that has built its international reputation."

Gabriel Hainault, Managing Director at Largillière Finance, said: "We have a strong understanding of the specific challenges faced by family-owned groups. Chez Léon is a strategic establishment in the historic center of Brussels. Ensuring continuity in the spirit of the place and preserving the friendly and popular atmosphere that is so special to Chez Léon were essential challenges. We are delighted to have supported the Vanlancker family in this operation, which enables a seamless transfer between two family stories built on the same values of tradition and excellence."

Stakeholders in the operation:

Press contact 

Margie 

Aliénor Miens - +33 6 64 32 81 75 - alienor.miens@margie.fr