Our Story
Over the Years
1887
Founded
Lyons was founded by 4 Victorian entrepreneurs, the business was named after Sir Joseph Lyons.
![Mr-Lyons](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Mr-Lyons.jpg)
1909
Lyons Corner House opened
Its corner house tea shops popped up all over London. They became large and lavish restaurants, spread over four or more floors, with opulent décor.
![Cornershop](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Cornershop.jpg)
1921
Lyons formulate Coffee & Chicory
Lyons led the market with the development of a brand new coffee and chicory essence.
![Extract](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Extract.jpeg)
1928
1st UK factory
Lyons open the UK’s first purpose built food technology laboratory.
![factory](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/factory.jpg)
1930
Orchestral manoeuvres
Lyons were employing many musicians to play in their restaurants that they set up an orchestral department.
![music](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/music.jpeg)
1951
Lyons electronic office
The LEO 1 (Lyons Electric Office) was the first commercial computer in the world developed by J. Lyons & Co. to help streamline its growing business.
![LEO1](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/LEO1.jpg)
1954
Wimpy integrated into the business
Lyons took on the UK license for Wimpy integrated the brand into their corner house restaurants.
![wimp](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/wimp.jpg)
1964
Chock Full o Nuts
Lyons acquires an interest in ‘Chock Full o Nuts’
![choc](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/choc.jpeg)
1964
Sol Cafe formed
‘Chock full o nuts’ and Lyons form the Sol Cafe company to sell private label instant coffee in the UK.
1970
Lyons capture 80% of target market
The strategy works and Lyons captures 80% of the UK Private Label instant coffee market in the UK.
![red](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/red.png)
1982
Lyons acquired by Kraft Foods
Lyons was acquired by Kraft Foods.
![Lyons](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Lyons.png)
2011
A classic brand of modern Britain
The new owners rekindle the love of a great British brand.
![Van (1)](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Van-1.png)
2019
Innovation
Launch of 6 new products including on trend hot and cold drinks.
![HC](http://127.0.0.1/arlind/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/HC.jpg)