Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the founder of a high-profile vegan chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Court records show the filing was submitted Feb. 12 in the Northern District of Georgia.
Legal filings show $1.4 million owed
Cole’s paperwork lists roughly $1.2 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The filings also show about $192,000 due to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
The Chapter 11 filing is a move usually used to reorganize debts. Court documents describe the debt as stemming in part from a COVID-era EIDL loan.
Cole first filed a Chapter 13 petition in January, then withdrew that filing.
She later filed under Chapter 11, which is more commonly used by businesses.
Rise, fall and restructuring
Cole built Slutty Vegan from a food truck into a multi-location brand.
In recent years, some locations closed amid legal and financial disputes.
Her filing lists real estate, vehicles and restaurant equipment among assets.
A separate news summary noted she described herself as “unemployed” in the documents.
This bankruptcy follows a period of restructuring that included a temporary loss and reacquisition of the business. Company leaders and outside lawyers did not immediately answer requests for comment.
Cole’s profile grew beyond restaurants. She was recently announced as a new cast member on a reality television series.
In earlier interviews, Cole spoke about the bond between her brand and its customers.
“People love Slutty Vegan because they love me,” she said in a past profile.
Legal troubles that predated the filing include landlord suits and claims over tips and wages. Those disputes and pandemic loan obligations contributed to financial strain.
What happens next may depend on whether creditors and the court approve a reorganization plan. Chapter 11 gives a business space to negotiate while operating.
Cole’s case adds to a string of hospitality and restaurant insolvencies in recent months. Industry observers say soaring costs and shrinking margins have pressured many operators.