Kevin Hart’s plant-based fast-food venture, Hart House, has abruptly closed all of its Los Angeles locations just two years after its highly anticipated launch. The sudden closures were confirmed last week through an Instagram post from the restaurant chain’s account, which simply stated, “A Hartfelt goodbye for now as we start a new chapter.” No further explanation was provided, leaving customers and industry insiders wondering what caused the chain to shutter its doors without warning.
The closures, which impacted all four of Hart House’s locations on September 10, have raised eyebrows, especially given the fanfare surrounding the chain’s opening. CEO Andy Hooper, in a statement to Eater, praised the brand’s community and customer base but remained tight-lipped about the reasons for the shutdown. Despite Hooper’s praise for the “incredible” response to the product, no clarity was offered on why the chain folded so quickly.
When Hart launched Hart House in 2020, it seemed like a bold move, capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based options in the fast-food industry. Inspired by his own shift to a vegan lifestyle, Hart envisioned Hart House as a healthier, more sustainable alternative to the likes of McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King. The goal was simple: provide a 100% plant-based menu featuring burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, nuggets, salads, and even milkshakes, all with the intention of making vegan food accessible to the masses.
Kevin Hart’s California vegan restaurant chain abruptly closes all locations just two years after opening https://t.co/rHy9wYJ3Xx pic.twitter.com/GcNPcpwkZn
— New York Post (@nypost) September 13, 2024
At the time, Hart was optimistic, believing that positioning Hart House near traditional fast-food giants would tempt customers to give plant-based options a try. The chain’s 2023 opening of a location on the corner of Sunset and Highland, across from Hollywood High School, was touted as a milestone.
Hooper described the move as emblematic of their vision to compete directly with established quick-service restaurants, even going as far as setting up shop in a former McDonald’s building. Yet, less than a year later, that vision appears to have crumbled.
The sudden closures are not unique to Hart House. In fact, the broader Los Angeles dining scene has seen similar struggles in recent months. Shake Shack, a popular burger chain, recently announced the closure of five Southern California locations, all set to shutter by the end of September.
These restaurant shutdowns are happening against the backdrop of California’s new minimum wage law, which will raise the hourly wage for fast-food workers to $20. Some industry observers believe this increased labor cost could be playing a significant role in the closure of numerous fast-food establishments in the region.
While the exact reasons for Hart House’s downfall remain unknown, the timing aligns with broader trends impacting the restaurant industry in Los Angeles. Rising costs, labor challenges, and the competitive nature of fast food—especially in a city where consumers have countless options—likely contributed to Hart House’s inability to thrive. Despite its noble goals and celebrity backing, the chain ultimately couldn’t sustain its business, leaving customers and supporters wondering what went wrong.
