Pinky Cole, the CEO and founder of Slutty Vegan, started the restaurant in July 2018 selling burgers through Instagram, and the demand for her burgers grew so much that in October of 2018 she opened the first brick and mortar location in Atlanta. Since then Slutty Vegan has grown to five locations. The newest location opened in Athens in late May, and three more locations are in the works: Brooklyn, N. Y., Birmingham, Ala., and Columbus, Ga. Here is what to know about the booming vegan burger joint located on Baxter Street.
What is the purpose of Slutty Vegan in providing to people? Did you just want people to have great vegan choices or what was the thought process behind creating this restaurant chain?
I went to college in Atlanta, and when I came back after time in LA, I wanted to create a place where people could reimagine food (vegan food in general). It all started from a late-night craving for vegan food. We have amazing vegan restaurants in Atlanta, but in LA you can get vegan food on every corner at any time of day. So, I started brainstorming what I could quickly put together for a restaurant that would serve good vegan food late at night. I had a lightbulb moment with the name Slutty Vegan and almost immediately came up with recipes and names like Sloppy Toppy, One Night Stand, Fussy Hussy, etc. in my kitchen. It didn’t take long for me to find myself in a shared kitchen cooking vegan burgers in August 2018, and it took off from there.
Why did you choose to expand Slutty Vegan to Athens specifically? What do you think this restaurant offers to the community?
When we think about opening a new concept, we look into a few different things. We always test out the location to make sure they would be a fit for Slutty Vegan. We also look at the community and who would benefit from a concept like mine. Every restaurant that I open is located in a food desert, and that’s intentional! I want to give people an accessible vegan option. They don’t have to sacrifice anything to enjoy the same comfort food they’re used to!
Slutty Vegan is a name that definitely stands out compared to names of other restaurants. What is the reasoning behind the name and the overall concept of the restaurant?
Sex and food are the two most pleasurable experiences in life. A Slutty Vegan, in my mind, is someone who eats vegan but enjoys junk food – as long as it’s not dead. I knew the name would be a great hook to help people to reimagine food. What I didn’t know was how much of an impact it would make.
What would you say is the most unique menu item?
The Big Dawg — the silent killer. It has sauerkraut and slut sauce that creates an experience in your mouth like never before.
What does food mean to you? How is food important to you in your life specifically?
Food is energy, and I’m a foodie. I’m in a better mood when I have good food. A lot of people feel that way, and at Slutty Vegan we give you good food and big energy — a slutty experience.