In a surprising turn of events, actor and comedian Kevin Hart has closed all locations of his vegan fast-food chain, Hart House, just two years after its launch. The announcement was made on the restaurant\’s official Instagram page:
\”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.\”
A Vision for Plant-Based Fast Food
Hart House opened its first location near Los Angeles International Airport in August 2022. Motivated by his own transition to a mostly plant-based diet in 2020, Kevin Hart aimed to fill a gap in the fast-food industry by offering accessible and affordable vegan options. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the time, Hart expressed his mission:
\”I wanted to give people a plant-based option. If I can give people a place to have the option that’s placed smack dab in the middle of where your McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King [are], people may see a Hart House and say, \’I’m going to go plant-based today.\’\”
Expansion and Offerings
Following the initial launch, Hart House expanded to four locations across Los Angeles County:
- Westchester
- Monrovia
- University Park
- Hollywood
The menu featured a variety of plant-based favorites, including:
- Burgers and \”Chick\’n\” Sandwiches
- Nuggets and Tater Tots
- Salads
- Milkshakes made with alternative milks
Positive Reception
The community response was overwhelmingly positive. Andy Hooper, CEO of Hart House, shared his gratitude in a statement to Eater LA:
\”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.\”
Unannounced Closure
Despite the success and growing customer base, all four Hart House locations abruptly closed on September 10th. The reason for the closures has not been publicly disclosed, and representatives for Kevin Hart have not commented on the future of the chain.
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Impact on the Vegan Community
Hart House was more than just a restaurant; it was a significant step toward normalizing plant-based eating in mainstream fast food. Its closure raises questions about the challenges faced by vegan businesses in a competitive industry dominated by established chains.
Looking Ahead
While this chapter of Hart House has come to an unexpected end, the movement toward plant-based eating continues to grow. Kevin Hart\’s venture brought attention to the possibilities within the fast-food sector, and it\’s possible that this \”Hartfelt goodbye for now\” hints at future projects or a new direction.
The closure of Hart House is a poignant moment for the vegan community and highlights the importance of supporting plant-based initiatives. As advocates for a more compassionate and sustainable food system, we remain hopeful that this setback will pave the way for new opportunities and innovations in the industry.