Slutty Vegan signed a franchise agreement to bring its plant-based burger concept to Cincinnati, with Soul Republic Hospitality Group — led by Akin Affrica — as the operator. The move marks the brand's third market in Ohio and features the chain's bold flavors and signature Slut Sauce.
The same operator is behind Slutty Vegan locations in Columbus and Cleveland, and those sites are expected to open in the fall of 2026. Founded in Atlanta in 2018 by Aisha "Pinky" Cole Hayes, the brand grew from a single food truck into a nationally recognized comfort-food concept. The company emphasized franchising as a path to scale with experienced partners.
For consumers, Cincinnati will gain a plant-forward option with high-energy service and indulgent, meat-free burgers. The franchisee's reinvestment underscores demand for repeat operators and supports a staged, sustainable expansion strategy.
Image Credit: Slutty Vegan
What's Driving This Trend
- Plant-based Comfort Food
- Indulgent vegan burgers and signature sauces show how plant-forward menus can move beyond health positioning into mainstream comfort-food demand.
- Operator-led Franchising
- Repeat franchise partners create scalable growth models where local market knowledge supports faster regional expansion and brand consistency.
- Regional Vegan Expansion
- Staged openings across Ohio signal rising opportunity for plant-based restaurant brands to build density in secondary and mid-sized urban markets.
Who This Affects Most
- Fast-casual Restaurants
- Bold vegan concepts are reshaping quick-service expectations by blending convenience, flavor-forward branding, and meat-free indulgence.
- Plant-based Foods
- Burger-focused menu innovation reflects a broader shift toward familiar formats that make alternative proteins more accessible to mainstream consumers.
- Food Franchising
- Experienced hospitality groups are becoming key vehicles for scaling emerging restaurant brands with reduced operational risk.
