*In the evolving landscape of fast food, few names have made as bold an entry as Hart House, the plant-based fast-food chain founded by actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Debuting in 2022, Hart House was envisioned as a go-to destination for those seeking healthier, plant-based quick bites, reflecting Hart’s journey into wellness and fitness. Unfortunately, just two years after its inception, the chain announced the closure of all its locations on September 10, 2024.
Launched with much fanfare, Hart House focused on offering a range of vegan options that included chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and burgers—all priced affordably under $8. Hart’s collaboration with CEO Andy Hooper resulted in the development of proprietary patties that steered clear of popular alternatives like Beyond and Impossible products.
The first location opened in Westchester, California, conveniently located near the fast-food titan In-N-Out Burger, setting the chain up for immediate competition and visibility.
As Hart House expanded, it opened additional locations in Monrovia and University Park. By May 2023, the flagship site on Hollywood Boulevard was launched, featuring a drive-thru—an innovative move intended to replicate success in future locations.
“Our aspiration to be the future of quick-service restaurants is embodied in this location,” Hooper told Eater, showcasing the ambition behind Hart House’s trajectory.
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Though initially met with enthusiasm, Hart House joined a list of establishments grappling with the challenges of the post-pandemic restaurant landscape. Rising operational costs and the downturn of the local film and television industry weighed heavily on the restaurant scene in Southern California.
Hart House’s fate was mirrored by the closure of several popular food chains, including the East Coast staple Shake Shack, which shuttered five Los Angeles-area locations just days apart.
Despite the struggles, California’s fast-food sector still saw a significant uptick in job growth, even as the minimum wage increased from $15.50 to $20.00 an hour earlier in 2024. This rise indicates a complex and shifting dynamic in the fast-food industry, where consumer preferences are evolving towards healthier and more sustainable options.
In a poignant closing announcement, CEO Hooper thanked the devoted team, loyal customers, and community partners for their unwavering support.
“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.”
Hooper’s thank-you is a testament to the short-lived but impactful journey of Hart House within the fast-food domain.
With the closure of Hart House, Kevin Hart’s culinary aspirations have come to a halt, but his commitment to promoting a plant-based lifestyle and entrepreneurship within the hospitality industry leaves a lasting impression.
Whether Hart will venture into new culinary territories remains a question, but his influence on healthy eating will certainly resonate in future endeavors. The legacy of Hart House will serve as a reminder of the excitement and potential that innovative fast-food concepts can offer, despite the challenges they face in a fluctuating market.
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