Pinky Cole
About Pinky Cole
CEO and Founder of Slutty Vegan
Pinky Cole is the CEO and Founder of Slutty Vegan, a popular vegan fast food restaurant chain. Slutty Vegan was born in 2018, starting as a small kitchen operation in Atlanta after Pinky relocated from New York. The restaurant quickly became known for its standard two-hour wait times for made-to-order vegan burgers. Within six months of its grand opening, Slutty Vegan revenues reached $4 million. The brand has since expanded significantly, opening new locations including Birmingham, Alabama and Brooklyn, New York in 2022, with plans for ten more locations in 2023.
Achievements and Recognitions
Pinky Cole has received numerous accolades and recognitions across the United States. Some of her notable recognitions include being named to Restaurant Hospitality’s 2021 Power List, Forbes Next 1000, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 100 Powerful Women in Business List, and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 List. She was also featured in LA Wire’s Influential Women of 2020 and PETA’s 2021 Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities List. Additionally, she has graced the covers of Essence Magazine and INC 5000, highlighting her influence in both the culinary and philanthropic worlds.
Media Features and Publicity
Pinky Cole has made headlines for her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts. She has been featured in major media outlets such as Business Insider, Washington Post, People Magazine, and Forbes. Her prominent public profile has positioned her as a leading voice in food and philanthropy. Her ability to attract media attention has played a crucial role in amplifying her message and increasing awareness for her brand and charitable initiatives.
Pinky Cole's Philanthropic Efforts
Pinky Cole established The Pinky Cole Foundation in May 2019. This foundation aims to support local businesses, promote education, and generate generational wealth in the black community. Additionally, she has partnered with Derrick Hayes of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to launch the Square 1: The Liife Experience, a program focused on providing life insurance policies to 25,000 Black men by December 2023. These initiatives underscore her commitment to giving back and supporting underserved communities.
Literary Contributions and Public Engagement
In the literary world, Pinky Cole released a book in Fall 2022, which was nominated for an NAACP Award. She further engaged with her audience through the 'Pinky Cole Experience Tour'—an innovative approach to book tours that allowed her to meet and interact with fans across America. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Producer of the series 'American Sesh,' showcasing her diverse talents. These efforts highlight her ability to connect with a broad spectrum of audiences and share her experiences and insights.
Background and Early Ventures
Pinky Cole’s journey in the culinary world began with her first restaurant, Pinky’s Jamaican and American Restaurant, in New York, which tragically burned down. Following this setback, she moved to Atlanta, where she conceived the idea for Slutty Vegan during a late-night craving for vegan fast food. Her background is marked by resilience and innovation. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she was instilled with strong values of hard work and community service. Her father, although incarcerated, provided her with business strategy advice, which she has applied to build her successful ventures.