The Baltimore Peninsula, a 235-acre waterfront redevelopment in Baltimore, MD is rapidly becoming a hub for culinary innovation and economic growth. The recent openings of Slutty Vegan and its sister venue, Bar Vegan, both spearheaded by Baltimore native Pinky Cole Hayes, exemplify this transformation.
Slutty Vegan, the popular destination for plant-based comfort food that started in Atlanta, GA, opened its doors in the Baltimore Peninsula on December 21, 2024, with a lively celebration featuring a local marching band and DJ. Adjacent to this establishment, Bar Vegan has now also opened its doors, offering an elevated dining experience with unique drinks and intricate dishes.
Madelynne Boykin
‘A community that needs and deserves the love’
“After the success of Slutty Vegan’s opening last month, it feels so good to be back in my city to continue the excitement and celebrate the opening of Bar Vegan,” Cole Hayes said in a statement. “My partnership with Kevin Plank and MAG Partners is creating a brighter future for Baltimore, especially right here in South Baltimore, a community that needs and deserves the love.”
MaryAnne Gilmartin, founder and CEO of MAG Partners, expressed her enthusiasm, noting, “[Cole Hayes] has brought nothing but energy and excitement to Baltimore Peninsula from the moment she first stepped foot on our site, which was exactly what we needed from a development partner.” She highlighted the area’s growth, stating that it now hosts six unique food and beverage destinations.
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the significance of these openings, saying the opening of Bar Vegan “marks a powerful moment of growth and celebration for Baltimore.” The Mayor praised Cole Hayes for returning to her hometown to “invest in its future,” a move he says reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that define the city. Councilwoman Phylicia Porter called Cole a “hometown hero,” praising the opening. “This is more than a restaurant opening—it’s a celebration of Baltimore’s grit, charm, and unwavering spirit of perseverance.”
Revitalizing Baltimore
The Baltimore Peninsula development is a collaborative effort led by MAG Partners and MacFarlane Partners, with investments from Under Armour founder Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Ventures and Goldman Sachs Asset Management Urban Investment Group. The project aims to revitalize South Baltimore by introducing a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The recent rebranding from Port Covington to Baltimore Peninsula reflects a renewed vision for the area’s future.
Bar Vegan
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The collaboration between Cole Hayes and the Baltimore Peninsula development team exemplifies a shared vision for a revitalized South Baltimore. The development’s commitment to local hiring is evident through its collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. This partnership has resulted in the employment of 77 Baltimore residents at Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, contributing to a total of 88 new jobs from both businesses. Such initiatives align with the development’s memorandum of understanding with the city, underscoring a dedication to community engagement and economic upliftment.
Cole Hayes, a Jamaican-American restaurateur and philanthropist, has garnered national attention for her innovative approach to vegan cuisine. Her ventures aim to make plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for both vegans and non-vegans. Slutty Vegan now boasts more than ten locations in cities including Atlanta, GA; New York; and Birmingham, AL.
Beyond her culinary enterprises, Cole Hayes leads The Pinky Cole Foundation, which focuses on uplifting marginalized communities by providing access to resources and education to pursue entrepreneurial goals. Her accolades include being named to Restaurant Hospitality’s 2021 Power List and Forbes Next 1000, among others.
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