Slutty Vegan Signed Franchise Deal for Ohio Expansion
The burger chain has partnered with Soul Republic Hospitality Group to open new sites across the Buckeye State.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Dining Out
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Slutty Vegan has finalized a franchise agreement with Soul Republic Hospitality Group to establish a presence in Ohio. The plant-based burger chain intends to bring its dining concept to Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.
Why it matters
The deal signals a significant strategic pivot for the brand as it seeks to expand its footprint following a challenging financial period. It aims to grow its national presence after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year.
Founded in 2018, the chain is moving forward with expansion plans despite having filed for bankruptcy in February 2026. The new partnership with Soul Republic Hospitality Group targets the three largest metropolitan areas in Ohio.
The players
Slutty Vegan
This plant-based burger chain is known for its social media-friendly branding and popular meat-free menu items.
Soul Republic Hospitality Group
The group is the new franchise partner tasked with managing the expansion of the burger chain into the Ohio market.
Aisha Pinky Cole Hayes
She is the entrepreneur who founded the burger chain in 2018.
The details
The Atlanta-based burger brand is leveraging this new partnership to enter the Ohio market with planned locations in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. This expansion follows a difficult year for the company, which officially sought bankruptcy protection in February 2026.
Timeline
Slutty Vegan was founded in 2018.
The chain filed for bankruptcy in February 2026.
Culture Shift
This move reflects the broader industry trend of struggling food chains pivoting to franchise models to offload operational overhead. By partnering with external groups, brands like Slutty Vegan can scale into new markets like Ohio while navigating the complexities of post-bankruptcy recovery.
Residents in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland can expect new dining options as the franchise locations are developed. The deal suggests that the brand is prioritizing physical availability as a primary way to rebuild consumer trust and loyalty.
The takeaway
Franchising remains a powerful tool for brands aiming to bridge the gap between financial distress and growth. Consumers should look for future announcements regarding site selection to see when these new dining locations will begin serving the public.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of restaurants in the state, visit the Ohio Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKRC.
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