Former Food Network star Paula Deen has announced the closure of two of her restaurants in Savannah, Georgia: The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box. The decision, shared on August 1, marked the end of an era for Deen, who has been a prominent figure in Southern cooking for over three decades.
In her heartfelt statement, Deen expressed gratitude to her loyal customers and dedicated staff, reflecting on the memories created throughout the restaurant’s 36 years of operation. “My sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service,” she wrote. Deen has been known to operate The Lady & Sons alongside her sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen.
Moving forward, Deen and her family will concentrate on their four remaining Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Branson, Missouri. They are set to visit these locations on August 8.
Deen’s culinary journey took flight when “Paula’s Home Cooking” premiered on Food Network in 2002, eventually leading to numerous cookbooks, endorsements, and a significant social media presence, boasting over 5 million followers. Despite facing a major racial controversy in 2013 that saw her lose her Food Network contract, Deen continued to thrive within the culinary world, even making appearances on shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “Masterchef: Legends.”
Though the closures mark a significant change, Deen’s legacy in Southern cuisine continues as she remains committed to her family-run restaurants and the community of Savannah, which she proudly calls home. Her ongoing endeavors demonstrate a resilience in the face of challenges, and her family’s dedication to their culinary ventures persists.