Bangin’ Vegan Eats starts a new kitchen residency at Sweatman’s Garden
by Matt Poust | Contributing Writer
For the past few years, the hum of a generator and the sizzle of a flat-top have been familiar sounds wherever Bangin’ Vegan Eats parked for the day. Now, the popular plant-based food truck is preparing for its next chapter – one that trades asphalt for a full kitchen.
Starting Jan. 1, Bangin’ Vegan Eats will launch its first-ever kitchen residency at Sweatman’s Garden, marking a major milestone for owners Amie and Frank Piccioni and the vegan community that has rallied behind them since 2021.
“It feels like a natural next step,” Amie Piccioni said. “This gives us the opportunity to see what a brick-and-mortar future might look like, without losing who we are.”
The Piccionis opened Bangin’ Vegan Eats in May 2021, but the idea had been simmering long before that. Frank had spent his entire career in the food and beverage industry, often working to execute someone else’s vision.
“In the back of Frank’s mind, he always wanted something of his own,” Amie said. “Something where he wasn’t just making someone else happy.”
That desire grew stronger after the couple moved to Charleston in 2018 and noticed a gap in the local dining scene – particularly for vegans.
“There just weren’t many quality plant-based options, french fries and side salads aren’t exactly an ideal meal out,” Amie said. “We were missing that aspect of being able to go out and enjoy great food and we knew we weren’t the only ones.”
One night out helped turn the idea into action. A few months before launching Bangin’ Vegan Eats, the Piccionis went out for Frank’s birthday and visited a local vegan food truck. The line wrapped around the block.
Though they had to pivot their dining plans that night, the interaction gave them reassurance that there was demand for plant-based food in the local scene. With that, the couple began building a menu inspired by the foods they loved before going vegan.
“We wanted to mix up the vegan concept and veer away from traditional greens,” Amie said. “We wanted to make the comfort food that we all love and enjoy.”
Plant-based chicken, crispy snack wraps and burgers anchor the menu, alongside fried cauliflower and loaded fries – options designed to feel familiar, indulgent and approachable.
Bangin’ Vegan Eats debuted at Westbrook Brewing in 2021 and quickly gained traction. In its second appearance, the truck was featured at the Charleston Food Truck Festival, one of the region’s largest food events.
In the years that followed, the truck became a regular presence at breweries, markets and festivals four to five days a week, earning a loyal following that extended well beyond the vegan community.
“It’s been surprising how well we’ve been received,” Amie said. “People now look at us and say, ‘They’re not just a food truck – they’re one of us.’”
That acceptance, she said, fueled the couple’s growth and confidence.
The decision to pursue a kitchen residency came as the Piccionis began seriously considering a brick-and-mortar location. When they visited Sweatman’s Garden, the fit felt immediate.
Self-described as a “funky little disco cocktail garden,” Sweatman’s has carved out its own niche with in-house crafted sodas, zero-proof options, cannabis-infused beverages and inventive cocktails. The overlap in customers seeking creative, healthier alternatives made the partnership feel organic.
“A full kitchen opens up so many possibilities,” Amie said. “We’ll be able to expand the menu, bring back old favorites and introduce new options.”
Despite the move indoors, Bangin’ Vegan Eats isn’t abandoning its roots. Amie said getting the truck back on the road as soon as possible remains a top priority.
As they prepare to welcome new diners in the new year, Amie hopes the residency encourages people who may be hesitant about plant-based food to give it a try.
“Vegan food doesn’t have to be scary, it doesn’t taste like dirt and sadness” she said with a laugh. “It can be similar to something you’re used to eating and allow you to try something outside of your comfort zone.”
For the Piccionis, the goal has always been simple: create food that’s convenient, comforting, and exciting – for vegans and non-vegans alike.
“For us to be able to create something that’s convenient and comfortable and something that people are excited to try – that’s our goal,” said Amie Piccioni.
Starting Jan. 1, Bangin’ Vegan Eats will take over the kitchen at Sweatman’s Garden. located at 90 Folly Road Blvd. in South Windermere Shopping Center. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/banginveganeats.
