Kevin Hart's plant-based fast food chain, Hart House, has closed all its locations just two years after launching, leaving many wondering about the reason behind the sudden closures.
- Sep 14, 2024
AceShowbiz - Comedian and actor Kevin Hart's foray into the fast food industry with his plant-based chain, Hart House, has come to an abrupt end. After only two years of operation, all four of the Los Angeles-area restaurants have officially shut their doors, leaving no immediate explanation for their closure.
Hart House opened its first location in August 2022 near Los Angeles International Airport, offering a menu of vegan "chick'n" sandwiches, "burg'rs," soy and oat milkshakes, along with fries, nuggets, and sauces. The chain aimed to provide affordable and healthy options in the fast-food scene, with a focus on high-quality plant-based ingredients at a lower price point than competitors.
In a statement to Eater, Hart House CEO Andy Hooper thanked the company's team, customers, and community for their support but did not provide any details on the closures. On Instagram, the chain shared an image with the message "Thank you" and captioned it "A Hartfelt goodbye for now as we start a new chapter."
The closures of Hart House follow the recent trend of fast-food chains struggling amid economic challenges. High inflation rates and rising labor costs have prompted many consumers to cut back on dining out while restaurants face thin margins and difficulties finding and retaining staff.
Hart House's flagship restaurant in Hollywood, situated in a former McDonald's building near a Chick-fil-A and an In-N-Out Burger, was intended to serve as a model for future locations. The chain's website, which remains up, still states that Hart House is "committed to the future of food and our overall well-being."
It remains to be seen what the next steps will be for Kevin Hart and the Hart House team. The closures have left many disappointed, as the chain had aimed to provide a healthy and affordable option in the plant-based fast-food market.