Heart Attack Grill Closes After 20 Years, Owner Blames Rising Costs and Corporate Greed
One of Las Vegas' most divisive restaurants is closing its doors, and its owner is blaming the rising cost of doing business around the city.
Jon Basso, owner of the famous Heart Attack Grill in downtown Vegas, says that he's closing the doors due to "corporate entities bleeding tourists dry."
"The Heart Attack Grill will not be renewing its long term lease. This decision stems from the reality that major casinos have intentionally priced the average person out of the quintessential American experience of affordable indulgence," the restaurant says on its website.
"The soul of Las Vegas has been replaced by corporate greed."
Controversial Yet Popular Restaurant Closes
The Heart Attack Grill was known for its elaborate theme, in which servers and staff dressed as nurses and the restaurant's interior resembled a hospital. The menu included items like the "triple bypass burger" and patrons who weighed over 350 pounds - and were willing to prove it by stepping on a scale - were able to eat for free.
The restaurant also served "Flatliner Fries," Lucky Strike cigarettes and alcohol.
"People will undoubtedly find it hilarious that the 'villain' who spent years playfully trying to make them fat has suddenly developed a conscience about robbing them of their hard-earned money," Basso said while speaking to People.
"But while the Heart Attack Grill was always a tongue-in-cheek exaggeration of dietary indulgence, there is a massive line between serving up a comedic portion of burgers and participating in the systemic price-gouging of the middle class."
Basso said that Las Vegas has changed dramatically since the restaurant first opened in 2005, and that he didn't want it to become another place where tourists and visitors were charged exorbitant amounts of money.
On the restaurant's website, he implored fans of the controversial eatery to stay tuned for what's next, adding that "this is not the end of the world's most controversial restaurant; it is merely the beginning of a new chapter."
Las Vegas Faces Continued Uncertainty Amid Tourism Decline
A total of 38.5 million visitors came to Las Vegas in 2025, a steep decline from the previous year and the lowest annual total since the city re-opened to normal capacity following the COVID pandemic.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority also found that there was a 7.5 percent decline from the visitation numbers seen in 2024, and that there was an 11.6 percent decline from a record 42.9 million visitors in 2016.
The city is reporting more positive numbers through the first quarter of 2026, with conventions and special events drawing in a higher number of tourists to the city.
The Convention and Visitors Authority reported that 3.27 million people visited the city in January alone, numbers assisted by the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held at the convention center.
Vegas has been hit hard by the current economic situation in America, but it appears that some parts of the city are finding success while others are choosing to bow out. The Heart Attack Grill fits into the latter category for now, but the establishment has assured fans that this was not the end of its story.
"We are seeking new opportunities to continue our high-calorie mission," the Heart Attack Grill says on its website.
"We look forward to finding new communities that still appreciate a Bypass Burger and the freedom to feast without apology."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 2:36 PM.