Comedian Kevin Hart's venture into the plant-based fast-food market has come to an end, with all locations of his Hart House chain closing in Los Angeles. The restaurant, focused on vegan versions of familiar fast-food fare, such as burgers and "chicken" sandwiches, announced closure of its doors after a run of just two years. According to CBS News, Hart House was founded on the principle of offering healthier, wallet-friendly options that benefit the environment.
The closure affected Hart House outposts in Westchester, Monrovia, University Park, and the Hollywood flagship location. An Instagram post by myharthouse bade a "Hartfelt goodbye" to its patrons and community supporters as they embark on a "new chapter." In a further statement to KTLA, Hart House CEO Andy Hooper expressed gratitude, saying, "The response to the product has been incredible, and we thank our committed team, our customers, and our community partners for helping make the change we all craved, and for their unwavering support of Hart House."
Hart introduced the concept of Hart House in 2022 not long after adopting a plant-based diet. Hooper affirmed the chain's mission to be an alternative future for quick-service restaurants, suggesting a radical industry shift. Despite the closures, the reason behind the decision has not been disclosed by Hooper.
Restaurants in general, have been under strain since the pandemic and Hart House was no exception. Rising operational costs and challenges facing the local film and television industries might have contributed to the business faltering. Meanwhile, another fast-food entity, Shake Shack, also recently down-scaled its presence, closing five Southern California outlets in early September 2024. According to Eater, this comes even as California sees an uptick in fast-food jobs, post the state’s minimum wage hike to $20 an hour earlier this year.
