Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the founder of the plant-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, has filed for bankruptcy, revealing debts totaling approximately $1.4 million. According to court records from the Northern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court, Cole submitted a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition on January 21, 2024, followed by a Chapter 11 filing on February 12, 2024. The earlier Chapter 13 filing was dismissed on February 11, 2024.
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy documents indicate that Cole owes around $1.2 million to the United States Small Business Administration and approximately $192,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue. These financial challenges come as Slutty Vegan operates six locations across the United States, including recent openings in the Baltimore Peninsula. Two establishments debuted in late 2024: a Slutty Vegan restaurant and a dining and cocktail lounge known as Bar Vegan 2.0.
Cole has expressed optimism about the brand’s future. In a July 2025 interview with The Baltimore Sun, she stated, “People love this brand. Slutty Vegan is positioned to be a billion-dollar brand — that’s what I know for sure. They love to support it, they love the food, and they love how it tastes. And as long as we’ve got that, then this brand will never die.”
Despite the financial difficulties, Cole’s confidence in Slutty Vegan’s potential remains strong. The brand has garnered a loyal following, known for its innovative plant-based offerings that appeal to a wide audience.
As of now, representatives for Cole did not respond to requests for comment regarding the bankruptcy filings or the future direction of Slutty Vegan. The financial outcome of this situation remains to be seen, but Cole’s commitment to her brand suggests that she aims to navigate these challenges head-on.
For those with insights or tips regarding this situation, Jane Godiner can be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram as @JaneCraves.
