Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the entrepreneur behind the popular vegan fast-food chain Slutty Vegan, is set to join the cast of the much-anticipated new season of *The Real Housewives of Atlanta*, which will premiere in April. This exciting news comes amidst a challenging time for Cole, who has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Pinky-Cole-attends-the-Grand-Opening-of-Slutty-Vegans-Harlem-location-030326-95cb34a8082f41859c22a9e7a921dae0.jpg)
Cole’s bankruptcy filing took place on 2 March in Georgia, according to court records. The documents reveal that she currently owes in excess of $1.3 million, including approximately $1.2 million to the U.S. Small Business Administration, linked to a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, as well as around $192,000 owed to the Georgia Department of Revenue in state taxes.
This filing follows a period of corporate restructuring for Slutty Vegan, where Cole had briefly lost control of the brand. Earlier this year, the company entered into an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, an alternative to bankruptcy, which required Cole to temporarily surrender ownership. However, she managed to regain control shortly thereafter, acquiring back the brand along with its intellectual property.
Despite these challenges, Cole is poised to make her mark on reality television as she joins the cast of *The Real Housewives of Atlanta*. The announcement has generated buzz, although she has not yet publicly commented on her recent financial difficulties or her upcoming television role. Representatives for Cole have not responded to requests for comment.
Reflecting on her previous trials, Cole has expressed the emotional burden associated with her decision to pursue bankruptcy. In an earlier conversation with *PEOPLE*, she candidly shared her reluctance to face public scrutiny. “I fought it for a long time,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to face the opinions of others because I know I built something that’s so doted by so many people.” Rather than seeking public sympathy, she preferred to maintain her resilience, stating, “I could have easily gone to social media and did a rally cry for help, but I didn’t want to be a victim.”
Founded in 2018 initially as a delivery-only service, Slutty Vegan rapidly grew into a sensation in Atlanta, expanding into food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations. The brand, recognised for its cleverly named menu items like the “One Night Stand” and “Sloppy Toppy,” garnered significant national attention, earning Cole a spot on the Time 100 Next list. At its peak, Slutty Vegan achieved a valuation of approximately $100 million.
However, the swift expansion led to heightened operational costs. Cole highlighted previously to *Forbes* that while her company generated multi-million-dollar annual revenues, corporate expenditures — which amounted to $10 million at one point — placed considerable strain on the business’s finances. Recent reports indicate that her monthly costs have outstripped her income, compounded by prior wage claims and landlord disputes.
Amidst these financial strains, several Slutty Vegan locations have shuttered, leaving only six in operation currently. The Chapter 11 bankruptcy process allows Cole to restructure her debts while simultaneously keeping her business functional. A teleconference related to her bankruptcy is scheduled for 12 March, with a comprehensive reorganisation plan required by 12 June.
Despite the obstacles she is facing, Cole has expressed her commitment to rebuilding Slutty Vegan. In her earlier statements, she reaffirmed her dedication to the brand she created, stating, “I built this brand with heart and hustle. And I’m not done yet.”
As the new season of *The Real Housewives of Atlanta* draws near, all eyes will be on Cole, not only for her contributions to the culinary landscape but also for her journey as she navigates both personal and professional challenges.