Lewis Hamilton’s vegan fast food chain, Neat Burger, has officially exited the UK market after struggling to recover from mounting financial losses.
Launched in 2019 with backing from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, the plant-based restaurant brand aimed to revolutionize fast food. Instead, it’s now shutting its UK doors for good.
Despite early hype and celebrity power, Neat Burger reported losses of £7.9 million in 2022, a sharp increase from the £4.7 million the year prior.
In a bid to stay afloat, the company closed several underperforming stores across London and even shuttered its New York branch, focusing instead on a select few outlets.
A statement at the time said the company was “taking a step back to make a bigger leap forward.”
But that leap never came.
A spokesperson has now confirmed the “difficult decision” to close all UK locations. Around 150 staff are expected to lose their jobs.
This comes after the Camden branch of Neat Burger received a low food hygiene rating, which was later improved following management intervention.
The closure adds to a growing list of challenges for Lewis Hamilton. Off the racetrack, his business venture has collapsed, while on the track, his first season with Ferrari is faltering.
After five races, he has failed to secure a podium finish and recently described his car as “horrible” and “not enjoyable at all.”
With the Miami Grand Prix approaching on May 4, Hamilton has little time to turn things around — in racing or business.
