By Patricia McDougall
Baltimore came alive on Dec. 21 as Pinky Cole-Hayes, the dynamic entrepreneur behind the wildly successful Slutty Vegan brand, opened the doors to her first location in Baltimore.
The festive grand opening of the plant-based eatery marked a triumphant return for Cole-Hayes, who grew up in East Baltimore and has since built her brand into a $100 million sensation.
Despite frigid temperatures, a sea of eager fans gathered outside, their excitement warming the atmosphere. The line to enter the restaurant wrapped around the building, showcasing the love and support Baltimoreans have for Cole-Hayes and her mission. The grand opening was a true celebration of food, community and culture, complete with live music, a vibrant marching band performance, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a powerful show of support from members of the Divine Nine’s Black Greek letter organizations.
Pinky, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of sorors, who came out in droves to support her. Their crimson and cream attire brightened the event as they cheered her on, celebrating the incredible achievement.
“The love from my sorors means so much,” Cole-Hayes said. “To have my Delta family here with me– showing up and showing out– is everything. I’m so grateful for their support and encouragement.”
Residents of Baltimore were proud to have the entrepreneur finally open a Slutty Vegan restaurant in their area. They have been waiting for more than five years for the brand, which debuted its first brick and mortar store in Atlanta in 2019 after a soft launch on delivery apps in 2018.
“This is incredible,” said Jerome Carter, a Baltimore native who attended the opening with his family. “Pinky’s success is proof that you can dream big and still come back to make a difference in your community. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the opportunities she’s creating for people here.”
The event featured small business vendors who had the chance to market their products and connect with the crowd, adding another layer of community empowerment to the festivities. From handcrafted jewelry to local artwork, the vendors represented the entrepreneurial spirit that Cole-Hayes herself embodies.
For Cole-Hayes, the opening was deeply personal. In an AFRO interview, she reflected on how growing up in Baltimore shaped her path to entrepreneurship.
“Baltimore made me who I am,” she said. “This city is where dreams are made, but you have to be responsible in executing those dreams. When I moved away at 17, I had a vision, and now, 25 years later, I’m back, and I’ve built something that makes me so proud.”
Known for its menu of provocatively named dishes, Slutty Vegan blends comfort food with a message of inclusivity and empowerment. Signature items like the “Ménage à Trois,” a plant-based burger stacked with vegan bacon, shrimp, cheese and Slut Sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun, and the Hollywood Hooker, a vegan Philly cheesesteak, had guests raving.
“What makes Slutty Vegan special is that it doesn’t taste vegan,” Cole-Hayes explained. “When you bite into it, you’re not thinking, ‘Oh, this is plant-based.’ You’re just thinking, ‘This is delicious.’ That’s what gets people excited—it’s food that feels good and tastes good.”
The Baltimore location underscores Cole–Hayes’ commitment to creating opportunities in underserved communities. Offering more than 100 local jobs, the restaurant is a step toward addressing food deserts and fostering economic growth in the area.
“My brand isn’t about pushing veganism—it’s about giving people options,” Cole-Hayes said. “Food is energy. You are what you eat, and I want people to see that good food doesn’t have to come from an animal. This is about meeting people where they are and showing them what’s possible.”
Through The Pinky Cole Foundation Cole-Hayes has already made a significant impact, funding scholarships, paying rent and providing life insurance for Black men.
“There’s no script for helping people,” Cole-Hayes said. “I grew up watching my mother help everyone in the neighborhood. I didn’t understand it then, but now I see that God put it in her spirit to give without expecting anything in return. That’s what I want to do– be a giver and create opportunities for others.”
Guests at the opening echoed their pride and excitement for Cole- Hayes’ return to Baltimore. “I’ve been a fan of Slutty Vegan for years, but this is different,” said Denise Hawkins, a local resident. “Pinky coming back to Baltimore is huge. She’s showing us that you can leave, build something amazing and come back to make a difference.”
The festive atmosphere of the grand opening reflected Cole-Hayes’ ethos of joy and community. The vibrant sounds of a marching band brought the crowd to life, while the presence of small business vendors gave local entrepreneurs a platform to shine. From the lively music to heartfelt speeches, the grand opening was a celebration of Baltimore’s resilience and potential.
“This isn’t just about Slutty Vegan,” Cole said. “This is about Baltimore. It’s about showing the world what this city is capable of—resilience, creativity and growth.”
With bold flavors, a vibrant atmosphere and a heartfelt mission, Cole-Hayes is ready to inspire and delight. Vegans or those simply curious about plant-based comfort food won’t want to miss what Slutty Vegan Baltimore has to offer as the Baltimore Peninsula’s latest addition.
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