Food Network Star Shuts Down Two Beloved Restaurants Without Warning
Former Food Network star Paula Deen announced on Friday that her famous Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons, has closed permanently, along with its nearby takeout spot, The Chicken Box.
Deen, 78, ran The Lady & Sons with her two sons, Jamie and Bobby, for nearly 30 years. Known for its fried chicken, banana pudding, and other rich Southern comfort foods, the restaurant remained popular with fans even after Deen’s Food Network show, Paula’s Home Cooking, was canceled in 2013.
In a statement shared on her website and social media, Deen confirmed the closures but did not give a reason for the decision, according to the AP.
“Hey, y’all, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box,” the statement said.
“Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years,” she said. “We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors.”
Paula Deen said that her four other restaurants outside of Savannah will stay open. These locations are in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.
On Friday, the windows at The Lady & Sons were covered with brown paper. Signs on the front door read: “It is with heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude that we announce that we have retired and closed.”
Paula Deen is a celebrity chef, cookbook author, and former Food Network star known for her rich Southern cooking and warm personality. Born on January 19, 1947, in Albany, Georgia, Deen began her culinary career later in life after facing personal struggles, including the death of her parents and a divorce. She started a home-based catering business called The Bag Lady, which eventually led to the opening of her Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in 1996.
Her comfort food recipes, featuring dishes like fried chicken, biscuits, and pecan pie, gained national attention, and in 2002 she launched her hit TV show Paula’s Home Cooking on the Food Network. Deen built a strong fan base and expanded her brand with cookbooks, cookware, and other restaurant ventures.
In 2013, her career was rocked by controversy when past racist remarks surfaced, leading to the cancellation of her Food Network contracts and sponsorships. Despite the backlash, Deen continued her culinary work through online platforms, live appearances, and new restaurant openings.