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Aaron Mattison, who served as chief financial officer for Pinky Cole’s now-shuttered Atlanta restaurant Bar Vegan from 2021 to 2022, has been indicted on multiple felony charges including theft by taking, first-degree forgery, and money laundering.
According to court documents, Mattison allegedly orchestrated several unauthorized financial moves while overseeing the restaurant’s books. Prosecutors say he fabricated documents that appeared to have Bar Vegan’s approval, then wired $87,000 to accounts he controlled for his personal benefit.
Pinky Cole’s Ex-Bar Vegan CFO Indicted on Theft, Forgery, and Money Laundering Charges
He is also accused of making repeated $600 withdrawals between September 2021 and June 2022 that totaled more than $24,999, followed by transfers across multiple bank accounts in what authorities describe as a money-laundering scheme.
Bar Vegan, an extension of Cole’s popular Slutty Vegan brand, was located in Ponce City Market and has since closed. Cole herself has not been charged in the case.
The indictment comes more than four years after a former Bar Vegan employee filed a 2022 lawsuit alleging unpaid wages, withheld tips and overtime, and violations of federal minimum-wage laws. Cole, Mattison, and co-owner Jason Crain were named as defendants in that civil case. The parties eventually reached a settlement in which $62,172 was paid to the plaintiffs.
At the time of the lawsuit, Cole’s representatives emphasized that she had no personal ownership stake in Bar Vegan LLC. The restaurant was owned by Slutty Vegan Inc., and any liabilities fell under the corporate entity rather than Cole individually. Cole has publicly stated she served only as CEO of the parent company and did not hold a direct financial interest in the restaurant.
The criminal case against Mattison is moving forward independently of the earlier wage dispute. Court records were first obtained and reported by The Neighborhood Talk.
Cole has not commented publicly on the latest charges against her former executive.
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Atlanta entrepreneur and new “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Aisha “Pinky” Cole is turning heads—not just for her recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, but for the creative way she’s addressing it.
Cole, founder of the popular plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, posted a humorous video on social media parodying her financial situation in a style reminiscent of a children’s educational show.In the video, Cole appears as “Mrs. Pinky,” donning a pink top and denim overalls against a whimsical green background adorned with cartoons.
Pinky Cole Makes Fun Of Herself With Bankruptcy Video
She breaks down various bankruptcy chapters through a catchy rap, explaining concepts like Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 11 reorganization, and Chapter 13 repayment plans. “Bankruptcy, let’s learn the code: 7 liquidate and roll, 11 you reorganize, 13 pay it back slow,” she raps, encouraging viewers to “file that bankruptcy” while highlighting options for farmers, international businesses, and cities.
Reactions poured in, with fans calling it everything from “cringe” to “corny,” while others praised her for the light-hearted approach. One user noted, “Not her telling us how to do it, I think I like her!!” amid mixed feedback.
Cole’s filing, submitted on March 2 in Georgia, lists debts totaling over $1.3 million, including $1.2 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and approximately $192,000 in state taxes to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
usatoday.com This comes after a challenging year for Slutty Vegan, which entered a state-level bankruptcy alternative in 2025, leading Cole to temporarily lose ownership before reacquiring the business.
tallahassee.com The chain, known for its cheeky menu items like the “One Night Stand” burger, has downsized from 14 locations to five, but continues to operate in Atlanta hotspots.Despite the financial hurdles, Cole isn’t shying away from the spotlight. Just days before the filing news broke, Bravo announced her as a full-time cast member for Season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” set to premiere on April 5.
thegrio.com The show, filmed in Atlanta, promises drama among the peach-holding housewives, and Cole’s entrepreneurial story—and now her bankruptcy saga—could add a fresh layer.In another Instagram post, Cole joked about misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, sharing a photo of herself and her dog “kicked to the curb” to debunk ideas of instant destitution.
thegrio.com Chapter 11 allows for financial reorganization while keeping operations running, which aligns with Cole’s ongoing business efforts.
Slutty Vegan, which started as a food truck in 2018 and exploded in popularity, has become a staple in Atlanta’s vegan scene, drawing celebrities and long lines. Cole’s journey from Baltimore native to Atlanta business mogul has been marked by resilience, including authoring books and expanding her brand into products like plant-based snacks.
As Atlanta watches, Cole’s blend of humor and transparency might just turn this chapter into a comeback story. For now, her “Mrs. Pinky” persona is teaching more than bankruptcy—it’s showing how to face adversity with a smile.
