Amended court documents filed May 19 expand the picture of creditors as the Atlanta entrepreneur and Real Housewives of Atlanta star continues Chapter 11 reorganization.

Pinky Cole, founder of the popular plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan and a cast member on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has updated her personal bankruptcy filings to show nearly $4 million in total debt — an increase from the approximately $3.6 million reported in earlier documents.

Pinky Cole’s Debt Rises to $4 Million

The amended filings, submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, provide a more detailed breakdown of Cole’s creditors across credit cards, business suppliers, real estate, legal claims, and other obligations. The updates come several months after her initial Chapter 11 filing in February 2026.

Expanded Debt Breakdown

According to the updated documents:

  • Credit cards: More than $70,000 owed across two American Express cards, plus an additional $12,000 on an Apple Card.
  • Restaurant supplier: $107,625 owed to Edward Don & Company. The supplier is currently suing Cole in Henry County State Court and has also claimed $12,312 in attorney’s fees and $15,498 in interest on unpaid invoices.
  • Real estate: $363,399 owed to JLL Realty for unpaid rent.
  • Other significant obligations: $250,000 to CIH Group, an Atlanta-based investment management firm.
  • Additional debts: Obligations to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dentistry for Children, Henry County EMS, and various roadway toll authorities in Georgia and Ohio.

Earlier filings had already listed major liabilities including approximately $1.2 million in Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) debt and $192,000 in Georgia state tax obligations.

Rapid Rise and Financial Strain

Cole founded Slutty Vegan in 2018, starting with a food truck in Atlanta before rapidly expanding into a multi-location chain known for its bold branding and plant-based menu. At its peak, the brand was valued in the range of $100 million and operated or franchised numerous locations across the Southeast and beyond.

Cole has previously attributed the company’s financial challenges to the costs of rapid expansion, operational scaling, and shifts in the post-pandemic restaurant landscape. In 2024–2025, the business underwent a major restructuring; Cole temporarily lost ownership before buying the company back and repositioning it under a franchising model.

The Chapter 11 filing in February was framed as a reorganization effort rather than liquidation, allowing Cole to continue operating while working toward a repayment plan (due by mid-June in the initial timeline).

Spotlight on Real Housewives of Atlanta

Cole’s financial situation has unfolded publicly as she joins the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta for Season 17. Her appearances have highlighted both her entrepreneurial journey and the personal and business pressures she has faced, including the bankruptcy proceedings and efforts to stabilize Slutty Vegan.

What’s Next?

The bankruptcy case remains ongoing. Amended filings like these are common as debtors and trustees gather a fuller picture of assets and liabilities. Cole continues to be listed with significant assets alongside the growing list of creditors, and the focus remains on reorganization rather than closure of the business.

Slutty Vegan locations continue to operate, though the brand has faced closures and changes in some concepts (such as its short-lived Voagies hoagie spinoff) amid the broader financial restructuring.

This story underscores the challenges many entrepreneurs face when scaling quickly — even those who build beloved, high-profile brands. Pinky Cole’s next moves, both in the courtroom and on-screen, will be closely watched.