Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan Mogul, Joins 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

The vegan entrepreneur opens up about building a $100-million business, bouncing back from rock bottom, and bringing her plant-based brand to reality TV.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Pinky Cole, the founder and CEO of the popular Atlanta-based vegan fast-food restaurant Slutty Vegan, is the newest cast member on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." In this exclusive interview, Cole discusses her journey from selling plant-based burgers out of her apartment to building a $100-million brand, navigating a company restructuring, and the responsibility of bringing veganism to a mainstream reality TV platform.

Why it matters

Pinky Cole's rise to success with Slutty Vegan has made her a celebrity in Atlanta, and her new role on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will bring increased visibility to the vegan movement at a time when some vegan restaurants have struggled. As a Black female entrepreneur, Cole's story also highlights the power of building a mission-driven brand that resonates with both vegans and non-vegans alike.

The details

Cole founded Slutty Vegan in 2018, opening her first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Atlanta after initially selling plant-based burgers from her apartment and a food truck. The brand has since grown to six locations and is now franchising, with over 350 inquiries. In addition to the restaurant, Cole runs the Pinky Cole Foundation, a nonprofit committed to empowering other entrepreneurs. In 2024, Slutty Vegan underwent a restructuring that Cole has described as the "hardest thing" she's ever had to do, but she was able to buy the company back in 2025 and is now focused on "Slutty Vegan 2.0." Cole's new role on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will bring her vegan lifestyle and business to a platform with 78 million viewers.

  • In 2007, Cole became fully vegetarian.
  • In 2013, Cole became vegan.
  • In 2018, Cole opened the first brick-and-mortar Slutty Vegan restaurant.
  • In 2024, Slutty Vegan underwent a restructuring.
  • In 2025, Cole bought her company back.

The players

Pinky Cole

The founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, a popular vegan fast-food restaurant in Atlanta. Cole has grown the business from selling plant-based burgers out of her apartment to a $100-million brand with six locations and a franchising model.

Slutty Vegan

A vegan fast-food restaurant founded by Pinky Cole in Atlanta, known for its plant-based burgers with playful names and a vibrant, cheeky brand.

Pinky Cole Foundation

A nonprofit organization founded by Pinky Cole that is committed to empowering other entrepreneurs and helping them access the resources they need to grow their businesses.

Derrick Hayes

Pinky Cole's husband, who is a hospitality entrepreneur.

Bravo

The television network that produces "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," the reality show that Pinky Cole is joining as a new cast member.

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What they’re saying

“I could tell that some of the women haven't really been around people who are vegan, so they got a chance to understand my lifestyle—to see what I eat and what I don't eat. And again, I think it goes back to people not knowing, right? They weren't critical or judgmental; just unaware.”

— Pinky Cole, Founder and CEO, Slutty Vegan (VegNews)

“Having this platform is an opportunity to really spread the message of veganism in a way that makes people comfortable and gets them talking about [food] options that they may have never considered before.”

— Pinky Cole, Founder and CEO, Slutty Vegan (VegNews)

“Failure is really not failing at all. It's really just batting practice. You've got to keep swinging because that's the only way you're going to get better. That's not failing; that's learning. That's conditioning. I am in the business of conditioning.”

— Pinky Cole, Founder and CEO, Slutty Vegan (VegNews)

What’s next

Pinky Cole's appearance on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" is expected to bring increased visibility to the vegan movement and her Slutty Vegan brand. As the show's newest cast member, Cole will have the opportunity to share her plant-based lifestyle and entrepreneurial journey with the show's large viewership.

The takeaway

Pinky Cole's rise with Slutty Vegan demonstrates the power of building a mission-driven brand that resonates with both vegans and non-vegans. Despite facing challenges like a company restructuring, Cole's resilience and commitment to empowering other entrepreneurs through her foundation have made her a prominent figure in the vegan community and beyond.