The history of Luncheon Vouchers

The early days of Luncheon Vouchers

In 1954, businessman John Hack and some friends were lunching together when he noticed people paying for their meals with slips of paper. Being curious, he asked a waiter about this and was told that the restaurant had arrangements with various companies whereby their employees could use these printed slips to pay for their meals. The restaurant then sent the slips back to each company who would then pay the restaurant.

This process involved any company who wanted to subsidise their staff lunches, but not run a canteen. However they had to have vouchers printed, make arrangements with two or three restaurants, check and count the vouchers when returned and then send a cheque to settle the catering establishment's account.

John Hack gave this some thought and decided that a single standardised voucher that was accepted throughout the UK would be more logical and efficient. Hack started the Luncheon Vouchers Company in 1955 to implement the scheme.

The potential of Luncheon Vouchers was affirmed in 1956, when nine of the biggest catering companies of the time (including Lyons, Forte, Kardomers and Express Dairy) formed a consortium and purchased the Luncheon Voucher Company. John Hack stayed on as Managing Director for the next 22 years, building the success of the Luncheon Vouchers scheme.

Luncheon Vouchers become a household name

With backing from the big catering companies, Luncheon Vouchers became a familiar benefit in millions of paypackets over the coming decades. The Government also encouraged Luncheon Vouchers – post-war Britain had only just seen the end of rationing so it was seen as a priority that people should have a proper meal every day.

Card signs featuring the famous Luncheon Vouchers symbol were given to food outlets to place by their tills to indicate that they would accept Luncheon Vouchers, and subsequently plastic window stickers were distributed.

A new era for Luncheon Vouchers

In 1982, the Luncheon Voucher Company was acquired by Edenred, the leading provider of employee benefits, reward & loyalty programmes, and expense management services.

In 1999, Luncheon Vouchers were given a visual makeover, with a new logo and design. The distinctive “red ball” Luncheon Vouchers logo is today a familiar fixture in the windows of 33,000 food outlets across the UK.

Today, over 50 years after their launch, Luncheon Vouchers are still the easiest and most cost-effective way to reward, say thanks, or to cover expenses for lunch or dinner.

Find out more about Luncheon Vouchers today:

For organisations

For voucher recipients

For food outlets