Atlanta-based plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan has signed a franchise agreement to open its first Michigan location, with the restaurant planned for the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit. According to the company, the site at 1441 W Elizabeth Street is expected to open later this year, pending the completion of buildout.
Local operator to lead Detroit buildout
The Detroit location will be developed by franchisee Obinani Iwuoha, who has lived in the Detroit metro area for 20 years and has nearly a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry, according to the company. No financial terms of the franchise agreement were disclosed.
Founder and CEO Pinky Cole Hayes said the market carries particular significance for the brand: “Expanding into Detroit represents a pivotal moment for us. 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.”
Continued expansion under franchise model
The Detroit signing follows recently announced franchise deals in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, bringing new operators into the brand’s network within the same month. Slutty Vegan shifted to a franchise model in 2025 following a period of financial restructuring, during which Cole Hayes temporarily lost control of the company before reacquiring it. She has since described the current growth phase as a deliberate effort to scale through experienced multi-unit operators rather than company-owned locations.
