Pinky Cole Hayes Wins Legal Battle to Regain Home Amidst Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Pinky Cole Hayes recently won a legal battle to have her Loganville, Georgia, home returned to her after it was seized during her Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. The federal bankruptcy judge ruled in her favor during an emergency hearing, stating that the seizure of the property prevented her from collecting rental income crucial for her reorganization plan. Hayes had arranged for a tenant to move in on April 1, and the judge agreed that she should regain access to the property to fulfill her financial obligations.
Hayes argued that the home should have been protected by the automatic stay provision that typically prevents creditors from taking control of property after a Chapter 11 filing. Her attorney described the seizure as unlawful and stated that it caused financial hardship as the rental income was essential for repaying creditors. The legal battle over the property occurred amidst Hayes' broader financial challenges, including significant debts owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Slutty Vegan, the plant-based restaurant chain founded by Hayes in 2018, faced financial difficulties after rapid expansion and store closures. Hayes filed for Chapter 11 protection to address the mounting debt and restructuring needs of the business. She announced plans to franchise Slutty Vegan as part of a reset strategy, focusing on experienced operators rather than aggressive corporate growth. The legal victory over the Loganville home coincides with Hayes' upcoming appearance on the next season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, adding another dimension to her ongoing journey in the public eye.