Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the founder of the plant-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, has filed for bankruptcy, with court records revealing a debt totaling approximately $1.4 million. Cole submitted her Chapter 13 Bankruptcy application on January 21, 2025, which was dismissed on February 11. Subsequently, she filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on February 12 in the Northern District of Georgia.
The Chapter 11 filing indicates that Cole owes $1.2 million to the United States Small Business Administration and another $192,000 to the Georgia Department of Revenue. This financial struggle comes as Cole’s Slutty Vegan continues to expand, with six locations across the United States, including two new establishments that opened in late 2024 in Baltimore Peninsula—a Slutty Vegan outlet and a dining and cocktail lounge named Bar Vegan 2.0.
Despite the current financial challenges, Cole remains optimistic about the brand’s future. In a July 2025 interview with The Baltimore Sun, she expressed confidence in Slutty Vegan’s potential for growth, stating, “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.”
As of now, Cole’s representation has not provided additional comments regarding the bankruptcy filings. The situation has raised questions about the sustainability of the Slutty Vegan brand and its ability to weather financial storms while continuing to attract a loyal customer base.
The bankruptcy filings illustrate the complexities faced by small business owners, particularly in the food industry, where competition is fierce and economic conditions can fluctuate rapidly. Cole’s experience highlights the challenges of maintaining growth while managing significant debt, a reality that many entrepreneurs encounter.
While the financial situation may be concerning, Cole’s passion for her brand and commitment to its vision remain evident. With a strong following and continued interest in plant-based dining, Slutty Vegan may still have a path forward, contingent on strategic decisions in the coming months.
