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As of September 10, 2024, Southern California’s popular plant-based fast-food chain, Hart House, has permanently shuttered all four of its locations, marking the end of an era in the region’s culinary landscape. Founded in 2022, the initiative, led by renowned actor and comedian Kevin Hart, champions a plant-based ethos, with Hart actively evangelizing its benefits. Andy Hooper, CEO of Hart House, announced the cessation of operations, extending his appreciation to the tireless staff, steadfast clientele, and collaborative community entities that contributed to the endeavour’s success.
Following Hart’s decision to adopt a predominantly plant-based lifestyle in 2020, the concept of Hart House began to take shape. Working in tandem with Hooper, the duo sought to create a quick-service restaurant concept that seamlessly integrated plant-based alternatives to traditional fast food staples – think crispy chicken sandwiches, tender nuggets, and classic burgers – at price points that wouldn’t break the bank. Unlike most plant-based fast-food chains, Hart House opted to create its own signature patty lineup, eschewing the use of Beyond and Impossible products in favor of an innovative approach.
The inaugural Hart House location debuted in Westchester, California, just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, in August 2022. In the subsequent 12 months, additional storefronts were established in Monrovia, University Park, and a prominent location on iconic Hollywood Boulevard, further solidifying the brand’s presence. The inaugural store, launched in May 2023, stood out due to its innovative drive-thru feature and strategic positioning near prominent fast-food chains such as Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out Burger.
Despite an auspicious beginning, Hart House struggled to overcome formidable sector hurdles. The ongoing repercussions of the pandemic, coupled with escalating operational expenses and a stagnating local entertainment sector, collectively compounded the issues faced by the entity in question. As the popularity of fast-casual dining continues to wane, Hart House and Shake Shack face similar challenges, with the iconic burger joint closing five Los Angeles-area locations in early September 2024, mirroring the uncertain fate of this beloved institution. Despite California’s minimum wage reaching $15 per hour in April 2024, the state’s fast-food industry remains robust and continues to expand.
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