Fast-food chain Slutty Vegan, founded by vegan chef, entrepreneur, and reality TV star Pinky Cole Hayes, is expanding to a brand-new state.
Slutty Vegan has been through tough times in recent months, with cash-flow issues, restaurant closures, and corporate restructuring. But a new franchise model seems to be breathing new life into the business. Back in June, we reported that Hayes, who is also a cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, had signed franchise agreements in Atlanta and Washington, DC.
“Atlanta is where Slutty Vegan was born, and we’re planting deeper roots here while establishing our presence in DC,” she said at the time. “I was intentional about partnering with operators who understand our business and the culture because this is bigger than the burgers.”
Now, the brand is heading to the Midwest through a partnership with Soul Republic Hospitality Group in Ohio. Specific opening dates have not been confirmed, but the group intends to open its first locations in Cleveland and Columbus this fall.
Slutty Vegan
Slutty Vegan’s move to Ohio was a ‘no-brainer’
“Making our state debut in Columbus and Cleveland was a no-brainer, and we’re looking forward to creating opportunity, building legacy and proving that plant-based dining can be fun, loud and unapologetically delicious in these markets and every market we enter thereafter.”
Slutty Vegan is a hit with diners largely because of its unique branding, but also because it proves that plant-based food can be creative and distinctly meaty.
“Ohio embodies the bold and hardworking, and is ready for something different energy that Slutty Vegan was built on.”
Standout menu items include the One Night Stand burger, for example, which features a plant-based patty, vegan bacon, vegan cheese, and the restaurant’s signature Slut Sauce. There’s also the Hollywood Hooker, which offers a vegan twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, as well as loaded Hooker Fries.
In fact, it was the quality of the food that inspired Akin Affrica, the founder of Soul Republic Hospitality Group in Ohio, to partner with Slutty Vegan. “I first visited Slutty Vegan in Atlanta in 2019 and quickly became a fan of both the guest experience and the business behind it,” said Affrica. “I knew then that I wanted to be part of the brand’s growth.”
If you can relate to Affrica, then Slutty Vegan is still looking for franchise partners. Find out more through the chain’s website here.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
