Neat Burger Closes Final UK Locations, Impacting 150 Jobs

Neat Burger, the vegan restaurant chain backed by Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, has closed its remaining UK locations after facing significant financial difficulties, including mounting losses and declining customer demand. Once planning rapid expansion and valued at $100 million in 2023, the company struggled with reduced foot traffic due to post-pandemic hybrid work patterns, rising operational costs, and waning interest in vegan fast food. Despite attempts to rebrand as 'Neat' and shift toward healthier menu options, as well as closing underperforming outlets and withdrawing from the US market, these measures failed to reverse its fortunes. The latest closures will potentially affect around 150 jobs and mark the end of the chain’s presence in the UK six years after its launch. The company now operates only two international sites, both in Milan. Neat Burger’s challenges reflect wider issues in the hospitality industry, where both plant-based and traditional restaurants are grappling with shifting consumer habits and increased costs.