Atlanta 'Housewives' newcomer Pinky Cole files for bankruptcy

The Slutty Vegan founder says 'business debt' led her to personal bankruptcy protection.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:22pm

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Aisha "Pinky" Cole, the founder of the fast-food chain Slutty Vegan and the newest cast member of the coming season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," testified under oath that "business debt" drove her to file for personal bankruptcy protection. Cole said she had personally guaranteed much of her business's debt, prompting creditors to pursue her for repayment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the financial challenges that even successful entrepreneurs can face, as well as the risks of personally guaranteeing business debt. It also sheds light on the bankruptcy process and the difficulties of restructuring a business while managing personal finances.

The details

Cole launched Slutty Vegan in 2018 from a shared kitchen in Atlanta, before the business grew into more than a dozen brick-and-mortar locations. At its peak, the business was reportedly worth $100 million. However, the business has faced financial struggles in recent years, and Cole was forced to surrender ownership temporarily before buying the brand back. In her bankruptcy filing, Cole estimated assets and liabilities between $1 million and $10 million, and she owes $1.2 million to the U.S. Small Business Administration and $192,000 in state taxes.

  • Cole filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Georgia federal court last month.
  • Cole testified under oath during a meeting of creditors in her bankruptcy case on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Aisha "Pinky" Cole

The founder of the fast-food chain Slutty Vegan and the newest cast member of the coming season of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."

Slutty Vegan

A fast-food chain founded by Aisha "Pinky" Cole that is known for its plant-based burgers.

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What they’re saying

“The creditors were coming after me.”

— Aisha "Pinky" Cole (Business Insider)

“Surrendering was the best thing that I could have ever done. Because what it taught me is that business is not a straight road, right? You're gonna get a flat tire here and there. But it's all about the bounce back, and I'm in my bounce back era.”

— Aisha "Pinky" Cole (Forbes)

What’s next

Cole's bankruptcy attorney, Jamie Christy, said they will be amending her bankruptcy schedules, and that no other comments will be made until then. The next creditors' meeting is scheduled for mid-April, where the IRS official has requested that Cole file her missing 2020, 2023, and 2024 tax returns.

The takeaway

This case highlights the financial risks and challenges that even successful entrepreneurs can face, and the importance of carefully managing business and personal debt. It also shows the resilience of entrepreneurs like Pinky Cole, who are willing to go through the bankruptcy process to restructure their finances and bounce back.