HOLLYWOOD, CA. (THECOUNT) — Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart has abruptly closed all four locations of his vegan fast-food chain, Hart House, across California. The sudden closures come just months after the state’s mandate for a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers, which took effect in April.
The restaurant chain, which launched in 2022, was designed to offer affordable vegan food and cater to the growing plant-based market. Hart House quickly gained popularity, with customers praising the taste and quality of its offerings. However, despite the positive reception, the chain’s CEO, Andy Hooper, announced on Tuesday that the business had shuttered its doors.
|
Advertisement |
“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.
Hart House was unique in its approach to fast food, offering moderate prices while focusing on sustainability and health-conscious choices. The chain’s most ambitious venture, a flagship location in Los Angeles, opened last year in a high-traffic spot at Sunset and Highland, a location previously occupied by McDonald’s and surrounded by other popular fast-food giants like In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A.
“Opening on the corner of Sunset and Highland… is about as emblematic as you can get of our aspiration to be the future of quick-service restaurants,” Hooper said in May 2023.
Although no detailed explanation has been provided, many speculate that the recent increase in operational costs due to California’s new minimum wage law may have played a significant role in the decision. The legislation, passed by the Democrat-controlled state legislature, mandates that fast-food workers receive a minimum of $20 per hour—an increase that has left many restaurant owners scrambling to adapt. Some fast-food chains have introduced electronic kiosks to offset labor costs, while others have cut workers and reduced hours. Studies indicate that fast-food prices have surged by 7% since the wage hike took effect.
Hart House’s closure has left many customers surprised and disappointed. In an Instagram post, the company thanked its loyal patrons for their support. “Thank you. To our team, guests, and community, who helped make the change we all craved,” Hooper wrote. “A Hartfelt goodbye for now as we start a new chapter.”
Though Hart and his team haven’t shared what that new chapter entails, the sudden closure marks an unexpected pause for a business that had quickly become a beloved spot for vegan food lovers in Southern California.
DEVELOPING::