Atlanta-Based Eatery Slutty Vegan Raises $25 Million for Expansion

In addition to $25 Million, Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole has also secured an investment from restaurateur Danny Meyer’s investment Group. Her plan is to use the funds to open 10 more locations of the popular fast-casual eatery. Birmingham, Alabama, Brooklyn, New York and Athens, Georgia have already been announced with more to open by the end of 2022.

To help her manage the rapid expansion, Cole has hired MuHammad Yasin, a professionally trained chef and Panera veteran, as its district manager, and Joi Alexander, a former CAVA executive, as its national director of sales & catering. Additionally, she plans to hire a COO and CMO.

Cole noticed a lack of plant-based options when she first moved to Atlanta some years ago. Growing up in a vegetarian-Rastafarian household, Cole wanted to offer the community plant-based twists to familiar foods like burgers and fries. Beginning as a ghost-kitchen in 2018, Slutty Vegan currently boasts four locations in Georgia ahead of expansion.

Adding to her expansion plans is an investment from Enlightened Hospitality Investments, a growth equity firm associated with Danny Meyer’s Union Hospitality Group. The company invests in up and coming brands in the fast-casual space. For those living outside of Georgia that have been waiting to see what all the hype surrounding Slutty Vegan is all about, you just might be getting your chance soon. Follow Slutty Vegan here for updates on new locations.