New Orleans’ Essence Fest was filled with fun surprises over the weekend, including a heart-melting engagement between Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole and local restaurateur Derrick Hayes. The longtime couple are tying the knot, and the entire engagement was caught on camera.
The CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks dropped to one knee to pop the question in front of an unsuspecting audience during a panel at the event.
“I just want to show you that these last two years, you changed my life,” the West Philadelphia native said, as reported by Access Atlanta. “You did a lot. You’ve been having my back a long time, more than anybody in this world. So, I want to make this real.”
Stunned, Cole sweetly replied “Of course, I do.”
The Slutty Vegan — already a landmark in Atlanta’s Edgewood and Westview neighborhoods — recently opened a new location in Athens. The local chain has also announced plans to expand with store locations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Brooklyn, New York.
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, meanwhile, are featured at multiple metro Atlanta locations. But the company is looking to do more than just offer delicious meals.
“Although Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has earned its popularity through its delicious food, this Black-owned business aims to not just feed its community, but actively participate in uplifting the community,” the company’s website said. “In the wake of the COVID 19 crisis, the restaurant gave out free meals to health care heroes and went as far as distributing face masks and other medical supplies to neighboring hospitals in the area. This restaurant is leaving an extraordinary legacy and continues to solidify itself as an Atlanta landmark.”
Cole and Hayes are expecting their second child later this month.
Pinky Cole’s GLOW UP just won’t let up! Our January cover stars #pinkycole and #DerrickHayes got engaged at #EssenceFest today. Issa #Fiance 💍. pic.twitter.com/IhplWc1Lm5
— ESSENCE (@Essence) July 2, 2022
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