THE BLK SPARROW

Slutty Vegan, a plant-based restaurant chain founded by Pinky Cole, has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. What began as a small idea rooted in Cole’s passion for food and social impact has transformed into a national brand, with locations across the United States. But behind the burgers and the long lines lies a deeper story about ownership, growth, and the realities of scaling a Black-founded business in today’s economy.

From the Ground Up: The Birth of Slutty Vegan

Slutty Vegan began in 2018 as a food truck in Atlanta, Georgia, offering delicious, plant-based burgers that quickly gained popularity. Pinky Cole’s vision was more than just offering vegan food; she wanted to create a brand that spoke to a larger social mission. She envisioned a business that not only served great food but also supported the Black community by creating jobs and inspiring other Black entrepreneurs to believe in themselves.

In an interview with Forbes, Cole said, “My goal is to show young Black kids that it’s possible to build a successful business, and that you don’t need to fit a mold to make it happen. It’s about believing in your own ideas, regardless of your background.” Her commitment to uplifting Black entrepreneurs is evident in how she’s run the business, prioritizing hiring from the community and using her platform to advocate for systemic change in the business world.

As word of mouth spread and social media helped fuel the hype, it didn’t take long for Slutty Vegan to expand. What was once a food truck blossomed into brick-and-mortar locations, and the brand became a viral sensation.

The Shift in Ownership: How Outside Investment Changed Things

As Slutty Vegan grew, Cole realized that scaling a business often requires capital. To continue expanding, she brought in outside investors. This decision allowed Slutty Vegan to open multiple locations quickly, but it also led to a shift in the company’s ownership structure. Cole no longer had full control over the majority of the brand. While she remained a prominent face of Slutty Vegan, much of the decision-making power had moved away from her hands.

According to Business Insider, Cole was open about the challenges of balancing the financial needs of the business with her vision. “At a certain point, you need money to grow. I had to make tough decisions, including bringing in investors. But it was important to me that Slutty Vegan stayed true to its roots.” The investment brought the funds needed for growth, but it also introduced complexities. When brands scale quickly and take on investors, it can sometimes mean giving up majority control in exchange for financial backing. This is not an uncommon occurrence for many small Black-founded businesses that want to grow rapidly. However, the reality is that this shift can dilute the original vision of the company, especially if the investor’s goals are primarily financial and not community-focused.

Pinky Cole’s Return: A New Chapter for Slutty Vegan

Fast forward to 2025, and Pinky Cole has made a significant announcement: she’s back as CEO of Slutty Vegan. This news has excited both the Slutty Vegan community and fans who’ve supported the brand since its early days. Cole’s return to the helm signifies a new chapter for the brand, with her leadership once again steering the company in the direction she’s always envisioned.

In a post shared on Instagram, Cole wrote, “I’m excited to announce that I’m officially back at the helm of Slutty Vegan as CEO. This journey has been full of twists and turns, but I’m more committed than ever to making this brand not just about food, but about community, culture, and giving back.” The announcement came right after April 1st, leaving some wondering if it was an April Fools’ joke. However, Cole’s statement was later confirmed by several reliable sources, including Black Business magazine, where she discussed her plans to reinvigorate the brand with an emphasis on supporting Black entrepreneurs and community-focused initiatives.

Her return to the top spot is not just about reclaiming ownership but also about realigning Slutty Vegan’s mission with the vision she had when she first started. She’s also emphasizing the importance of keeping the business’s core values intact, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural representation.

What Does This Mean for Slutty Vegan’s Future?

Pinky Cole’s return to CEO could mark a shift in how the brand moves forward. She has always been vocal about her commitment to the community and her desire to uplift others along the way. As CEO, she’ll likely continue focusing on expanding the company while maintaining the core values of inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment that made Slutty Vegan so successful in the first place.

According to an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cole said, “This brand is bigger than just vegan food. It’s about cultural representation and community empowerment. It’s important to me that Slutty Vegan continues to give back to the community that helped make it what it is today.”

It’s also possible that Cole’s return signals a renewed focus on the community and social impact that Slutty Vegan was built on. As a Black entrepreneur, Cole has been an advocate for supporting Black businesses, and it would be no surprise if she uses her position to further advocate for Black representation in the food industry, as well as continue creating job opportunities for Black individuals.

This news also serves as a reminder of how ownership matters in a business’s trajectory. While Slutty Vegan may have shifted from its original ownership model, Cole’s return to leadership shows how important it is for Black entrepreneurs to regain control when possible and maintain the ability to shape the future of their business.

Slutty Vegan’s Legacy: A Model for Black Entrepreneurs

Regardless of the ownership changes over the years, Slutty Vegan’s success is a testament to what can happen when Black entrepreneurs take the reins. Pinky Cole’s story is an example of how Black-founded businesses can grow from humble beginnings to cultural icons. While ownership may have changed at certain points, the brand still stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring Black entrepreneurs.

For those of us who follow and support the journey of Black business owners, it’s essential to recognize that ownership plays a significant role in shaping a company’s legacy. As consumers, we can help support businesses that keep wealth and decision-making power in the hands of Black entrepreneurs by being mindful of how we spend our money.

While we celebrate Pinky Cole’s return to CEO, we should also remember the importance of supporting businesses that are Black-owned from the start and keeping an eye on who controls the majority of the brands we support. The future of Slutty Vegan is bright, and with Cole at the helm, there’s no telling how far it can go—especially when the leadership is once again in the hands of someone who understands its true mission.

For more on Pinky Cole’s return to Slutty Vegan, check out the full article on Black Business here.