Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the founder and driving force behind Atlanta’s iconic Slutty Vegan restaurant brand, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as she faces mounting debt and ongoing business challenges.
High-Profile Chef and Entrepreneur Seeks Financial Reorganization
According to court documents filed in the Northern District of Georgia, Cole listed nearly $1.4 million in debt, including roughly **$1.2 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and about **$192,000 owed to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
The bankruptcy filing — submitted on Feb. 12, 2026 — is part of a broader effort to reorganize Cole’s personal finances as well as address financial strains tied to the beloved but downsized restaurant brand. A teleconference hearing related to the Chapter 11 case is scheduled for March 12, with a formal reorganization plan due June 12.
From Viral Sensation to Financial Turmoil
Slutty Vegan began in 2018 as a food truck in Atlanta and quickly grew into a cult-favorite vegan chain known for its bold branding and creative menu such as the “Sloppy Toppy” and “One Night Stand” burgers. At its peak, the brand expanded to more than a dozen locations nationwide.
However, over the past several years, Slutty Vegan has faced a series of financial challenges, including the closure of multiple locations and legal disputes over unpaid rent and wage claims. A previous state-level restructuring process in 2025 also briefly led Cole to relinquish, then regain, control of the business before embarking on a “Slutty Vegan 2.0” relaunch effort.
Reality TV and Future Outlook
Amid the financial developments, Cole has also stepped into the spotlight as a full-time cast member on the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” which may draw increased attention to both her personal journey and the fate of the Slutty Vegan brand.
Despite the challenges, Cole expressed optimism about her financial future in court filings, projecting “more growth and opportunities” ahead.
What’s Next
As the Chapter 11 process unfolds, fans and local food lovers in Atlanta and beyond will be watching closely to see how the restructuring affects Slutty Vegan’s footprint, employee relationships, and long-term viability. Court hearings and formal plans in the coming months will help determine the next chapter for one of the city’s most talked-about food brands.
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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