Slutty Vegan, the plant-based burger brand created by entrepreneur, author and reality-television star Pinky Cole Hayes, is capping the first half of 2026 with new momentum. Over the past year, it has earned national industry recognition in the United States, signed a number of new franchise agreements across the country, and opened a new location in Baltimore.
“A year ago, people counted us out,” said Cole Hayes. “A year later, we’re being recognized by our industry, opening in new markets across the country, and providing opportunities to own a business. This is what happens when you bet on yourself and refuse to give up – and we’re just getting started.”
After a highly public restructuring, Cole Hayes reclaimed her company, got to work rebuilding it and sharpened the brand’s systems, leadership and franchise model.
Founded in Atlanta in 2018 following a successful run as a single food truck business, among the fast-casual restaurant chain’s decadent plant-based vegan burgers served in Hawaiian buns with a side of fries are: Dancehall Queen (featuring sweet jerk plantains, vegan cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and signature sauce); Sloppy Toppy (loaded with jalapeños, vegan cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and sauce); Fussy Hussy (dressed with pickle, vegan cheese, onions, lettuce tomato and Sauce ); and One Night Stand (accentuated with vegan bacon strips, vegan cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and signature sauce).
Franchise Growth & Brand Momentum
In the first half of 2026, Slutty Vegan announced a raft of new franchises in key locations inked with experienced restaurant operators, who will serve as the foundation of the brand’s next chapter of growth:
• Atlanta — Agreement signed with Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas, who became the first franchise owners by taking over and operating the brand’s flagship location in the city.
• Washington, DC — Franchise veteran Brandi Forte is leading development efforts in the DC market with a new location.
• Detroit — Slutty Vegan’s first signed franchise in the Midwest is led by local entrepreneur Obinani Iwuoha, who brings nearly a decade of experience in the food and beverage sector.
• Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio — A two-location Ohio agreement signed with Soul Republic Hospitality Group, led by founder Akin Affrica, to build on the brand’s presence in the Midwest.
Sunshine State Debut
Meanwhile, Slutty Vegan also made its Florida debut official, inking franchise agreements to bring the brand to Miami. The Florida restaurant will be owned and operated by Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas, the same experienced operators behind the flagship Atlanta location, extending a partnership that now spans two markets.
Already successful multi-unit franchise owners of Juici Patties, Davis and Douglas bring proven experience scaling high-performing food brands to one of the industry’s most culture-driven, nationally recognized concepts. Their Florida signing makes progress on Slutty Vegan’s broader strategy of expanding into high-opportunity locales
