Slutty Vegan has signed Soul Republic Hospitality Group to develop Cincinnati, adding a third Ohio market to the operator’s plans for the plant-based burger chain. The brand announced the agreement Sept. 16.
Soul Republic, led by founder Akin Affrica, is also behind the planned Columbus and Cleveland locations. Slutty Vegan said those restaurants were expected to open in fall 2026. Cincinnati’s address and opening schedule would be announced as development progressed.
Affrica said the group had already planned to add Cincinnati. The brand described the agreement as part of its strategy to expand with experienced franchise operators.
The chain publicly recruits for multi-unit development. Its franchise information page, observed Sept. 23, advertises a minimum of three units in a protected territory and a restaurant footprint of 1,500–2,100 square feet. The website also lists $500,000 in liquid capital available to invest and $1 million in net worth as financial qualifications. Those are the brand’s public franchise guidelines; the Cincinnati announcement does not specify Soul Republic’s restaurant count or contract terms.
A food-truck program described on the same page must be paired with a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The brand presents the mobile format as an option for events and pop-ups alongside a fixed location.
The company asks applicants to submit an application, obtain the franchise disclosure document and request a video call. A discovery day in Atlanta comes before review of franchise and multi-unit agreements.
QSR Pro Staff
The QSR Pro editorial team covers the quick service restaurant industry with in-depth analysis, data-driven reporting, and operator-first perspective.
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