While growing in popularity across America, vegan restaurants aren’t new to many Atlanta communities. Although the city has seen an increase in plant-based restaurants over the last decade, veganism has deep roots in the city’s westside neighborhoods, dating back decades. This is especially true in West End, where veganism is fostered through the relationship between restaurants and customers and an intense need to feed the community.
In the past few years, Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based eatery, has attracted a cult-like following with its raunchy approach to veganism. The chain has opened new locations in Alabama and New York since owner Pinky Cole opened up the first brick-and-mortar location in 2018. This month, she will begin a five-city tour to promote her new cookbook "Eat Plants, B*tch: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind."
Recently while on tour, pop star Lizzo placed an order at one of Atlanta's vegan restaurants and raved about it on TikTok. Her review prompted a surge of interest in the restaurant, Planted Soul.
The increase in nonwhite Americans identifying as vegetarian and eating less meat is part of the longstanding work of vegan activists of color to make plant-based eating more accessible.
