Story perspectives

Heart Attack Grill Closes Fremont Location After 15 Years

5/20/2026

Summary

Jon Basso Closes

The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas closed its Fremont Street location after 15 years.
Owner Jon Basso said the closure reflects a post-pandemic shift toward targeting high-spending casino “whales” rather than regular visitors.
Basso declined to renew the lease because he did not want to repeatedly raise prices and overcharge customers.
Investors have approached Basso about reviving the grill, but any return will depend on his terms.

Summary

Physicians Demand Closure

A customer was hospitalized in 2012 after eating a 6,000-calorie burger at the grill.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine called for the grill’s closure in 2012, condemning extreme overeating.
John Alleman, 52, died of a heart attack outside the venue in February 2013, reigniting safety concerns.
Online critics denounced the free-food policy for patrons over 350 pounds and public spankings of diners who didn’t finish meals as exploitative.

Summary

Jon Basso Expands

Jon Basso (founder) is building a second restaurant on Cheyenne near the North Las Vegas airport.
Rohit Joshi said tourism is down, occupancy low, tenants have struggled for six to eight months, and announced Neonopolis redevelopment plans.
Joshi said the Fremont Denny’s ranks fourth nationwide while Dirt Dog and Alebrijes by Chef Paco thrive.
The restaurant’s website recorded a 2019 sexual-harassment allegation against founder Jon Basso.

1 of 3

Jon Basso Closes

The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas closed its Fremont Street location after 15 years.
Owner Jon Basso said the closure reflects a post-pandemic shift toward targeting high-spending casino “whales” rather than regular visitors.
Basso declined to renew the lease because he did not want to repeatedly raise prices and overcharge customers.
Investors have approached Basso about reviving the grill, but any return will depend on his terms.

1 / 3