Atlanta’s prominent plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan will host a month-long residency in Los Angeles starting today, June 24. Owner Pinky Cole-Hayes tells Eater that her first restaurant residency is happening at Nomoo All-American Burgers on Melrose Avenue, where Slutty Vegan will serve a special menu of plant-based burgers until the end of July.
“I used to live in LA and wanted to make sure we could test the market,” says Cole-Hayes. “I knew there was a big vegan scene in LA, and it’s only right to start at the place that’s at the top of the food chain.” Cole-Hayes’ restaurant has made quite a splash since debuting in 2018. In that short time, her fast-casual, sexy burger-themed restaurant opened seven Georgia locations with operations in Brooklyn, Harlem, Texas, and Alabama. In 2022, Slutty Vegan received a $25 million investment from Danny Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Richelieu Dennis’ New Voices Fund, bringing her company valuation to $100 million.
Those stopping by can try a rotating menu of different burgers each night. Options can include creations called the Slutty Vegan’s Hollywood hooker, dancehall queen, and a PLT with sweet jerk plantains, lettuce, tomato, and the shop’s proprietary “slut sauce” on a Hawaiian bun. Regarding a potential permanent location in LA, Cole-Hayes told Eater, “If this one pop-up does, well, there’s definitely an opportunity.” Hours are from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 24 until July 24 at 7507 Melrose Avenue.
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