Hart House — the Los Angeles-based vegan quick-service chain from comedian Kevin Hart —abruptly shuttered all four locations on Sept. 10 after just two years in business, as first reported by Eater.
Though no specific reason was given for the sudden shutdown of the brand, Hart House’s Instagram account posted a goodbye to its fans, stating “To our team, guests, and community, who helped make the change we all craved. A Hartfelt goodbye for now as we start a new chapter.”
Hart had been both a major investor in and the celebrity face of the brand led by CEO Andy Hooper (formerly president of &pizza), with a diverse and affordable menu of vegan burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, and plant-based milkshakes. The brand had been known for not partnering with outside plant-based meat vendors but rather developing its own proprietary meat substitute proteins.
As recent as February, Hart House had plans to expand beyond Southern California to Atlanta and greater Washington, D.C., with units under development. Additionally, Hooper told NRN at the time that in 2023, sales were up 350%, thanks to two new locations, and that thus far in 2024, the company was seeing positive same-store sales.
“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,” Hooper said in a statement sent to Eater. Hooper did not respond to NRN’s request for more details in time for publication.
Hart House is certainly not the first and only restaurant chain to close its doors or declare bankruptcy this year. The restaurant industry has hit some choppy waters recently, with nearly one-third of the top 500 restaurants experiencing a net decline in restaurant units over the past year. These closures have continued into 2024, with closures from KFC, Hooters, Rubio’s, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, and Shake Shack.
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