Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole targeted in Atlanta car theft
Pinky Cole’s Bentley Stolen During Voagie Grand Opening: A Setback in Atlanta’s West End
Entrepreneur and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole faced an unexpected crisis over the weekend when her Bentley was stolen and stripped for parts outside her new Voagie sandwich shop in Atlanta’s West End. The theft occurred during the highly anticipated launch of the vegan eatery, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory milestone.
Pinky Cole: The Face of Vegan Hustle and Innovation
Aisha “Pinky” Cole is no stranger to adversity. Born to Jamaican immigrant parents in Baltimore, Cole built a culinary empire from the ground up. After founding Slutty Vegan in 2018 as a delivery-only burger concept, she expanded the business into a full-fledged restaurant chain with locations in Georgia, New York, Dallas, and Birmingham.
Known for her bold branding and unapologetic mission to make vegan food fun and accessible, Cole has been recognized by Time magazine’s 100 Next list and celebrated for redefining how the world views plant-based cuisine. Her cookbooks Eat Plants, Btch* and I Hope You Fail speak to both her culinary creativity and motivational spirit.
The theft of her Bentley comes at a time when Cole is expanding her vegan vision with Voagie, a sandwich shop offering hearty plant-based subs to a growing audience of conscious eaters.
A Shocking Turn on Opening Day
According to Cole, the luxury vehicle was left running outside the new restaurant when it was taken. The incident was quickly reported to authorities, but it was social media and community engagement that helped her begin to recover parts of the car. Pictures of her disassembled Bentley were sent to her anonymously, showing parts strewn across a grassy field nearby.
While the theft is undeniably tragic, Cole remained upbeat, expressing gratitude to the Atlanta community for rallying behind her. “They tried to steal my joy, but the people came through,” she shared in an Instagram story.
Crime in Atlanta: A Growing Concern for Local Entrepreneurs
Unfortunately, Cole’s experience highlights a broader issue affecting many business owners in Atlanta: rising crime rates. The city has seen a surge in car thefts and break-ins in recent years. According to the Atlanta Police Department, auto thefts rose by over 30% between 2022 and 2024, with neighborhoods like West End and Downtown among the hardest hit.
This spike in crime has prompted business owners to call for more police presence and community-based solutions. For high-profile entrepreneurs like Cole, the theft was more than just a personal loss—it was a stark reminder of the challenges that come with revitalizing underserved neighborhoods.
The juxtaposition of launching a community-centered restaurant while simultaneously falling victim to local crime underscores the tension many Black entrepreneurs face in gentrifying yet still underserved areas.
The Community Response: Social Media Comes Through
Despite the devastation of having her luxury Bentley stolen and stripped, Pinky Cole found an unexpected silver lining. The overwhelming support from the community, especially through social media. Almost immediately after news of the incident broke, residents of Atlanta began tagging her in photos and messages. Alerting her to scattered parts of her car spotted in grassy lots and nearby fields. Strangers DM’d her with real-time updates, and local followers used their platforms to amplify her search.
What could’ve remained a private loss transformed into a public rallying cry. Cole acknowledged the wave of support in an Instagram story. Praising everyday people for using their eyes and their phones to help her recover what they could. “People didn’t just scroll past it. They got involved,” she said.
Social media, often criticized for its toxicity or misinformation, became a digital neighborhood watch for Cole. This powerful moment revealed just how impactful online communities can be—especially for figures like Cole who have built their brands on visibility, authenticity, and purpose.
A Digital Lifeline in Real Life
This isn’t the first time social media has helped solve a crime or return stolen property for a public figure. In 2021, pop star Lady Gaga experienced a traumatic event when her two French bulldogs were stolen during a violent robbery in Los Angeles. The story went viral within hours, prompting Gaga to offer a $500,000 reward. Because of widespread social media coverage and public involvement, the dogs were safely returned two days later. The viral momentum helped law enforcement, raised awareness, and humanized a celebrity in crisis.
Similarly, when Cole’s car was taken, the community didn’t wait for police reports or formal searches. Her followers became digital detectives, proving that platforms like Instagram and Twitter (now X) can serve as real-time tools for justice and connection. In a time where information travels faster than ever, visibility can be the difference between permanent loss and partial recovery.
More Than Just Likes: Mobilizing for Good
Cole’s experience underscores a key takeaway. When someone has deep-rooted community ties and a strong digital presence, social media can become more than just a marketing tool. It becomes a lifeline. Her supporters weren’t just customers; they were collaborators, protectors, and problem solvers.
This dynamic is especially crucial for Black entrepreneurs like Cole. Who often face unique challenges when opening businesses in underserved or over-policed areas. When systems fail or resources fall short, the people—both online and offline—step up. It’s a testament to how Cole has used her brand not just to sell food, but to build trust.
From Baltimore to Atlanta, from burgers to Bentley parts, Pinky Cole’s story continues to show how visibility. In addition to vulnerability, and community coming together to make a difference. Even in the face of crime and chaos.
Veganism on the Rise: Pinky Cole’s Cultural Impact
The Voagie launch is more than just another business move—it’s part of a national shift toward plant-based eating. Veganism has exploded in popularity over the past decade. With research from Ipsos showing that more than 10 million Americans now identify as vegan or vegetarian.
Pinky Cole is at the forefront of this movement, especially among Black consumers. She has used her platforms to connect food, culture, and social justice. Further, showing that veganism isn’t just for a niche audience—it’s for everyone.
The playful, provocative branding of Slutty Vegan—combined with flavor-packed menu items like the “One Night Stand” or “Sloppy Toppy”—has brought plant-based options to the mainstream in a way that feels inclusive and fun.
With Voagie, Cole expands that vision further, tapping into another beloved American staple: the sandwich. Her goal is to prove that even comfort food can be cruelty-free and community-driven.
Turning Pain Into Purpose: A Resilient Businesswoman
Cole’s ability to stay focused amid adversity is part of what has made her one of the most inspiring food entrepreneurs in America. Whether promoting her cookbook on tour or partnering with other Black-owned businesses—like her husband Derrick Hayes’ Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks—Pinky remains committed to building generational wealth and healthier eating habits.
Her openness about failure, evident in the title of her second book I Hope You Fail, reflects a core principle of her brand: resilience. This most recent setback, while painful, will no doubt be used as fuel for her continued rise.
What’s Next for Pinky Cole?
Despite the theft, Cole shows no signs of slowing down. Her Voagie shop is officially open in the West End and is expected to become a local staple. With three children and a growing empire, Cole continues to juggle motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism with grace and grit.
Her fans—and the wider vegan community—will be watching her recovery. Especially, to see how she turns this negative moment into another chapter of her success story.
A Test of Strength, A Triumph of Community
The theft of Pinky Cole’s Bentley was a jarring moment, but it doesn’t overshadow the significance of her work. As she continues to grow her plant-based empire and uplift Atlanta’s food scene, Cole proves once again that setbacks are only setups for comebacks.
Her story resonates with entrepreneurs everywhere. Offering insight, hope, and proof that community and culture can still win.