Slutty Vegan, the plant-based burger franchise brand founded by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, has signed a franchise agreement to open its first Midwest location in Detroit. Set for the Corktown neighborhood at 1441 W. Elizabeth Street, the opening marks the brand’s latest expansion milestone following a period of restructuring.
Founded in Atlanta in 2018 as a single food truck, Slutty Vegan has grown into one of the most culturally recognized fast-casual concepts in the country. Each new opening generates significant organic coverage on social platforms, an attribute that has drawn experienced operators to the brand’s community-driven identity. The Detroit deal was struck with Obinani Iwuoha, a Detroit-area entrepreneur with 20 years of local roots and nearly a decade of food and beverage experience. Iwuoha also operates Nigerian Streetz Cuisine.
Corktown: The Brand’s First Midwest Foothold
The planned Detroit location will occupy 1441 W. Elizabeth Street in Corktown, one of the city’s most active dining and retail districts. An opening is targeted for the second half of 2026. “Expanding into Detroit represents a pivotal moment for us,” said Pinky Cole Hayes, Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan. “This city embodies the kind of resilience and boldness that Slutty Vegan was built on. We’re proving that plant-based fast-casual can thrive in any market when you have the right people, the right message, and the right mission.”
A Brand Built on Cultural Relevance
Slutty Vegan’s trajectory illustrates how brand identity and community engagement can drive rapid market expansion without relying on traditional advertising. Cole Hayes, who also appears on Season 17 of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has extended the brand’s visibility well beyond the core vegan food market. The franchise model targets operators who combine food service fundamentals with alignment to the brand’s community mission, according to criteria communicated by the company.
Expansion Continues After a Year of Restructuring
The Detroit agreement is part of a broader national franchise strategy that Pinky Cole Hayes has pursued after reacquiring the brand in 2025, following a period of restructuring. The company has stated a focus on high-opportunity markets paired with operators capable of embodying the brand’s identity. No specific opening date beyond the second-half 2026 window has been publicly confirmed.
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