Pinky Cole, the dynamic founder of the $100 million Slutty Vegan restaurant empire, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to reports, Cole owes $1.4 million to the Small Business Administration and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
The 38-year-old entrepreneur, who revolutionized the plant-based restaurant game with flavorful lineup of burgers and fries, has also joined the cast of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta series for its 17th season.
Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes is a serial entrepreneur who found fame and fortune after launching her plant-based burgers in 2018. With heart and hustle she started in a shared kitchen and then purchased a food truck. Social media clips showing customers standing in line for hours to place their orders soon went viral and the cash register began to ring.
With colorful names for her burgers like Fussy Hussy, Hollywood Hooker, and Dancehall Queen on the menu and lines out the door, the business quickly became a national sensation drawing loyal fans and investment.
“Most of the people that come, they come because they want to see what the hype is about,” Cole told the Franchise Times. “They want to see if vegan food can really taste good, and as long as I can continue to create that narrative, I always have people coming through the doors.”
By 2018, there were 18 Slutty Vegan locations around the country. She opened a cocktail lounge at Ponce City Market in 2021 and had products in Target. By 2022, Cole’s business was reportedly worth $100 million.
But loads of debt stalled growth and forced the beloved Atlanta entrepreneur to make some tough choices. She shuttered all but six locations.
While many counted Cole out, she was determined to restructure her company and announced franchising opportunities in 2025.
The new season of the reality TV series will feature Porsha Williams, Phaedra Parks, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Angela Oakley, and Kelli Ferrell.
Cole is shown in the trailer discussing her business ventures with her husband and fellow entrepreneur, Derrick Hayes, and the state of their relationship.
The new season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta will premiere Sunday, April 5, on Bravo.
