The once-fast-rising vegan burger brand Slutty Vegan has closed locations and entered bankruptcy proceedings as financial pressures mount on the Atlanta-born restaurant concept.
The company, founded by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, citing mounting debt and operational challenges. Known for its provocative branding and plant-based comfort food, the chain had expanded rapidly across several U.S. cities during its peak popularity.
Rapid rise fueled by viral popularity
Slutty Vegan launched in 2018 as a late-night pop-up in Atlanta before quickly becoming a viral sensation on social media. Long lines regularly wrapped around its original location as customers flocked to try burgers with names like “One Night Stand” and “Fussy Hussy.”
The brand capitalized on the momentum by opening additional restaurants across the South and Midwest, including locations in Birmingham, Brooklyn and Dallas. At its height, the chain was widely celebrated as one of the fastest-growing Black-owned vegan restaurant brands in the United States…