Founderology Growth Summit
Power Couple Pinky Cole, Derrick Hayes to ignite Founderology Growth Summit
September 10, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
While most restaurant founders are focused on building a single successful brand, Pinky Cole and Derrick Haye have a grander goal: to build an empire, not just individually, but together. The dynamic couple behind the cult-favorite Slutty Vegan, its sophisticated sibling Bar Vegan, and fast casual concept Big Dave's Cheesesteaks are preparing to share the blueprints of their success at the upcoming Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4, 2026 in Austin. (The Summit is only open to restaurant founders. Click here to request an invitation.)
Their keynote, "Brands Divided. House United: Building Empires Together," isn't a mere talk; it's a deep dive into the strategic and personal synergy that has fueled their explosive growth. Their story is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship, blending individual tenacity with the collective power of a shared vision.
A blueprint for unconventional growth
Pinky Cole's journey with Slutty Vegan is a textbook case of leveraging bold concepts and social media to create a cultural phenomenon. Starting as a food truck, the brand's provocative name and plant-based burgers quickly captured a devoted following. Simultaneously, Derrick was building a legacy of his own with Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, an Atlanta-based fast casual that was named to this year's Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. While their brands serve different customers and have distinct identities, they are united by a common thread of passion, purpose and a deep understanding of their audience.
Although both Pinky and Derrick have been featured individually on countless podcasts, shows and events and in articles, the duo will share the stage at the Summit to discuss the systems and strategies that transformed their concepts into thriving, multi-location businesses.
Their presentation will go beyond the sizzle, offering actionable insights for founders at any stage; it's a lesson in not only scaling smart but also staying grounded in core values during periods of rapid expansion.
Lessons in resilience, reinvention
A central theme of their story is that success is rarely a straight line. Pinky Cole Hayes says she wants attendees to understand that "setbacks are not stop signs." The duo has faced significant challenges on their paths to success. Yet, it's those very trials, they say, that have provided the fuel for their biggest breakthroughs.
"Your biggest obstacles can be the very fuel that takes you to the next level," Pinky said. "My hope is that people leave this keynote with the courage to bet on themselves, even when the odds feel stacked against them."
Derrick echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of consistency and grit.
"Success isn't about shortcuts," he said. "It's about consistency, grit, and believing in your vision when nobody else does. If you put in the work and stay true to who you are, the world will eventually catch up to the greatness you've been carrying all along."
A story of partnership, purpose
What makes their Founderology keynote particularly compelling is the rare glimpse into how their personal and professional lives intersect.
"Our story is proof that collaboration, love, and shared vision can create something much bigger than either of us could have built alone," they said in a joint statement.
Their shared presence on the stage isn't just a marketing moment; it's a powerful testament to the idea that a strong, united front — in business and in life— can multiply success exponentially.
For attendees, this is a unique opportunity to learn from two founders who are not only masters of their craft but also genuine partners building a lasting legacy together, said Founderology co-host Kathleen Wood, founder of Kathleen Wood Partners and author of "Founderology: The Ultimate Employee Guide to Succeed with Any Boss in Any Workplace."
"They will give entrepreneurs the tools to lead with purpose, redefine their potential, and walk away with a renewed sense of possibility," she said.
Registration for the Founderology Growth Summit is open but only available to restaurant founders. Click here to request an invitation.
About Cherryh Cansler
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