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Kevin Hart’s vegan restaurant chain has quickly closed. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the comedian launched Hart House in 2022 — with the promise of opening more — alongside what he called a premiere lineup of associates and industry pioneers. Its first location opened in Westchester, CA, near the Los Angeles International Airport, Eater reports. “I am THRILLED to announce that I have collaborated with an All-Star team of partners and industry leaders to create an industry-changing restaurant called ‘Hart House,’” Hart wrote on Instagram at the time. “This thing is going to be HUGE! We’re going to serve delicious, sustainable food, that delivers ‘Can’t-Believe-It’ Flavor in every bite!!! We’ll be opening our first few locations in the LA area, but we will be expanding quickly.” Hart House did deliver on its word to grow the business. By 2024, Hart House had extended its portfolio with three additional California locations: Monrovia, University Park, and Hollywood. The draw has...
If you’re waiting for Jay-Z to slow down when it comes to his money moves, you’ll probably be waiting a long time. According to a press release, his latest business venture is with Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul as the two businessmen have helped raise a $3 million investment round for Misha’s Kind Foods — a vegan cheese brand. The seed funding round included participation from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners (MVP) firm, Paul and branding firm Lisa Shamus & Partners. “The mission of Misha’s directly aligns with our values,” said MVP Co-founder Jay Brown in a press release. “When we first discovered Misha’s we found some immediate synergies. We embrace companies that value sustainability, empowerment, inclusivity, accessibility, convenience, health and wellness, and personal expression.” Plant-based investments is far from new territory for both Jay-Z and Paul. According to VegNews, Jay-Z helped raise $300 million for Impossible Foods and has invested in other vegan brands such as Partake...
Nutritional food disparities are a prominent issue in Black and Brown communities due to disadvantaged socioeconomic area’s access to fewer stores. To combat this issue, 11-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul aims to provide these same communities with healthier alternatives. “I’m from North Carolina. So, I grew up eating after church on Sunday. I’m at my Granny’s house; we got the full spread of soul food laid out. A lot of times, eating that way is a part of your culture and history, and your way of life,” Paul shared in an interview with For(bes) the Culture . The Phoenix star shocked fans after adopting a plant-based diet preceding a career-low with the Houston Rockets for the 2018-2019 season. The newfound lifestyle produced substantial results for Paul, crediting faster recovery periods and greater stamina, The Beet previously reported. Yesterday, Paul announced a new financial venture with leading plant-based protein manufacturer Koia . The partnership aims to ensure healthy foods...
When it comes to moving with intention, Deborah Torres could write a book or two! The founder of Atlas Monroe — a vegan fried chicken company — is on its way to becoming the largest manufacturer of deep-fried vegan chicken across the globe even after turning down a $1 million offer on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” That’s right, Torres has maintained 100 percent ownership of the company since she appeared on the episode back in 2019. In an exclusive email interview with AfroTech, Torres explained how the “Shark Tank” decision actually took a toll on her. “My Shark Tank experience rocked me to the core,” explained Torres. “I was not nervous. I was surprised and disappointed that they withdrew the first offer. ” During her experience, Torres notes how while the entrepreneurial-themed reality television show recognized her company’s worth, they refused to truly see her individual worth. “Anyone that knows me knows that I am a genuine, down-to-earth, upfront kind of person who is determined,...
Morgan State graduate Duane Myko, Bowie State alumna Danita Jones and Chef Jumoke Jackson recently launched Everything Legendary , a vegan burger business. According to BOTWC , co-founder Myko was inspired to create “a flavorful alternative to meat products” after his mother’s strict vegan diet helped her battle lupus for over 35 years. In 2019, he and his business partners put their money where their mouth is. “Our goal is to educate the community on the benefits of a healthy vegan lifestyle,” Myko said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everything Legendary™ (@go_legendary) The healthy burger company, which pivoted to nationwide delivery due to the pandemic, offers soy-free and gluten-free burgers in four flavors: classic burger, pepper jack, cayenne pepper, and cheddar. They also sell a signature sauce. Not only is Legendary serving customers right at their door; they’re also giving back to their old stomping grounds—HBCUs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by...
Jay-Z puts his money where his mouth is, and the vegan cookie brand he backed is now expanding. According to a press release , Partake Foods, founded by Denise Woodard, is now being sold in over 1,600 Target stores nationwide. “This has been on the goal list since Day 1, and I’m thrilled to say it’s now a reality: Partake cookies are now available at Target nationwide! Purchase three super delicious, Partake flavors at over 1,600 Target stores and on Target.com. Big ??,” Woodard said in the release. In 2019, the New Jersey-based cookie company was infused with a $1 million investment from Marcy Venture Partners , a venture capital firm co-founded by Jay-Z . The investment made the former Coca-Cola exec the first Black woman to ever raise over $1 million for a food startup company. The allergen-free cookies—made without cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat—were inspired by a frightening allergic reaction Woodard’s daughter Vivienne suffered from...