Kevin Hart’s plant-based fast food venture, Hart House, has shut down just two years after its debut. The closure affects all four locations of the chain.
Hart House opened its first location near Los Angeles International Airport in August 2022. The idea for the restaurant came after Hart announced he adopted a plant-based diet in 2020. He described Hart House as a way to blend the joy of communal dining with a purpose-driven approach.
Following the initial opening, Hart House expanded with a second location in Monrovia, a flagship drive-through on Hollywood Boulevard, and a fourth site in University Park. The menu featured plant-based chicken sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes made from soy and oat milk, and various sides like fries and nuggets.
The restaurants abruptly closed on September 10, and the reason for the closures has not been disclosed. The company posted a farewell message on Instagram, thanking its team, guests, and community.
Hart House CEO Andy Hooper has not responded to requests for comment. Kevin Hart, known for his stand-up comedy and film career, has not publicly addressed the closures or his plans moving forward.
Hart House’s closure highlights broader challenges in the restaurant industry, including high inflation, reduced consumer spending, and increased labor costs. Similar issues have affected other chains, such as Shake Shack, which recently closed five locations in Los Angeles due to poor performance.
Hart House’s flagship restaurant was intended to serve as a model for future expansion. Located in a former McDonald’s building in Hollywood, it was positioned near popular fast-food spots like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.
The venture was a collaboration between Hart, investor Michael Rubin, and chef Mike Salem, known for his work on the Impossible Whopper at Burger King. Despite the closure, Hart House’s website remains active, emphasizing its commitment to plant-based ingredients and overall well-being.
