Heart Attack Grill closes after 15 years of letting customers over 350 lbs eat for free

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The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas, known for its over-the-top theme – offering free meals to customers weighing over 350 pounds and playfully ‘spanking’ those who didn’t finish their plates – is shutting down.

After 15 years in Old Vegas, the Heart Attack Grill on Fremont Street is shutting down. The owner says the closure is due to unfair practices by larger companies.

I first discovered this place back in 2011, and it quickly became super popular with tourists. They’re known for their massive, indulgent burgers and shakes – and the whole restaurant is decked out with a really unique medical theme. It’s definitely a memorable spot!

The restaurant had a playful theme: servers dressed as nurses and customers were jokingly called “patients.” They were encouraged to order huge meals, like the Octuple Bypass Burger – a massive burger with eight half-pound patties, and you could even add 40 slices of bacon if you wanted!

Employees used to strongly reprimand customers for not eating all of their meals, and would sometimes even physically punish them with a paddle. This happened, for example, to the popular streamer Tyler1 when he dined with the famous League of Legends player Faker.

Customers weighing over 350 pounds were offered free meals, with verification done by weighing them on a scale in the dining area.

Heart Attack Grill owner blames casinos for “pricing out Average Americans” as restaurant closes

The restaurant’s website now only displays an upset message from the owner, who says they had no choice but to close.

The Heart Attack Grill won’t be staying at its current location long-term. According to the restaurant, this is because Las Vegas casinos have become too expensive for most people to enjoy a simple, affordable treat. They believe the spirit of Las Vegas has been lost to corporate profits.

They jokingly pointed out that their famously rich, filling food – once a city favorite – is now seen as unfashionable, reflecting how the city has become less accessible to average families and lost some of its confidence. They also proudly, and sarcastically, acknowledged their role in America’s increasing weight, noting that obesity rates have climbed from 30% in 2005 to almost 45% today and implying they were a major contributor.

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The restaurant is exploring new possibilities and views this as the start of an exciting new phase.

Jon Basso, the owner, defended his statements to SFGate, insisting he was simply being honest about the state of tourism in Las Vegas.

He plans to continue running his other businesses in the Las Vegas area, such as Snappy’s Burger, a drive-thru restaurant, and a local drive-in movie theater.

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2026-05-19 21:19