Harry Morton Net Worth

What was Harry Morton's net worth?

Harry Morton was an American entrepreneur and socialite who had a net worth of $100 million at the time of his death in 2019. Tragically, Harry died on November 23, 2019, at the age of 38. Best known as the founder of Pink Taco, Morton turned a single Sunset Strip restaurant into a recognizable national brand that appealed to celebrities, industry insiders, and everyday diners alike. His approach to hospitality emphasized energy, personality, and a sense of fun that reflected his own charisma and taste. Morton also served as president of the nightclub chain the Viper Room and pursued film, real estate, and philanthropic interests throughout his career. He moved easily within entertainment circles and became a familiar figure in Hollywood media, but behind the coverage was a driven operator who studied restaurants, developed strong teams, and continuously reinvested in his businesses.

Early Life

Harry Morton was born into a family deeply rooted in hospitality. He was the son of restaurateur Peter Morton, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe, and the grandson of Arnie Morton, founder of Morton's Steakhouse. Growing up around kitchens, dining rooms, and brand-building gave him early exposure to the industry and shaped his entrepreneurial instincts. Morton attended Brentwood School in Los Angeles and later Loyola Marymount University, where he studied business while beginning to outline his own ideas for a restaurant concept.

Pink Taco

Morton launched Pink Taco in 1999 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The concept focused on Mexican cuisine presented with a playful, nightlife-driven edge. Pink Taco quickly attracted attention for its bold aesthetic and atmosphere, combining approachable food with a high-energy dining experience that appealed to tourists and locals.

Building on the success of the Las Vegas location, Morton opened a flagship Pink Taco on the Sunset Strip. It became a staple of LA's social scene, drawing celebrities, entertainment executives, musicians, and young professionals. Under Morton's leadership the brand expanded into additional cities, each location reflecting the same blend of design, music, and hospitality that defined the original. His hands-on style, understanding of nightlife culture, and ability to generate publicity helped Pink Taco become one of the most recognizable modern Mexican restaurant brands in the country.

Other Ventures

Alongside Pink Taco, Morton pursued a range of business and creative interests. He acquired the Viper Room, the iconic West Hollywood nightclub long associated with music history and celebrity culture. As president, he explored ways to modernize and expand the brand while preserving its legacy. Morton also invested in real estate and periodically worked on film and media projects, leveraging his network across entertainment and hospitality.

Although born into a renowned restaurant family, Morton built his ventures independently. Industry peers often described him as driven and detail-oriented, with a strong sense of design and customer experience. His projects consistently emphasized atmosphere, storytelling, and branded environments rather than simple food-and-beverage service.

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Personal Life

Morton's personal life received regular media attention due to his friendships and past relationships within the entertainment industry. He dated Lindsay Lohan for a few months between 2005 and 2006. He was also romantically linked to Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston and Britney Spears. Despite being well known socially, he maintained strong ties to his family, including his father Peter Morton and his brother Matthew, and he remained active in philanthropic work. He supported various charitable causes and served as a volunteer reserve officer with the Beverly Hills Police Department, where he dedicated time to community service.

Death and Legacy

Harry Morton died in 2019 at the age of 38. The news was met with significant public reaction from friends, colleagues, and family members, many of whom spoke about his kindness, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to his work. His contributions to the restaurant landscape continue through Pink Taco and the teams that built the brand alongside him.

Morton's influence can still be seen in the way modern hospitality blends food, nightlife, design, and celebrity culture. His restaurants helped define an era of Los Angeles dining, and his role in shaping contemporary Mexican-American concepts helped pave the way for similar experiential dining brands. Though his career ended far too soon, the imprint he left on the industry remains both visible and widely respected.

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