Celebrity chef Paula Deen has announced the closure of The Lady & Sons, her iconic Savannah restaurant, ending a 36-year run. The restaurant, located on Congress Street, was the last of Deen’s restaurants in Georgia. Along with The Lady & Sons, her other establishment, The Chicken Box on West Saint Julian Street, has also closed its doors.
What Happened
Deen, alongside her sons Jamie and Bobby, shared the news in a heartfelt post, revealing that July 31st would be the last day of service for both restaurants. The post expressed deep gratitude for the customers who supported the restaurants over the years, as well as for the staff, both past and present, whose dedication contributed to the restaurant’s success. “We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors,” the post read.
The announcement, however, did not provide a specific reason for the sudden closures, leaving fans and customers with questions about the decision. Despite the closure of her last Georgia-based restaurant, Deen’s legacy in the restaurant industry continues.
Paula Deen’s Legacy and Recent Ventures
Paula Deen rose to fame as an icon of Southern cuisine, best known for her cooking shows and cookbooks. While her career as a Food Network star ended after a racism scandal in which she admitted to using racial slurs, she managed to retain a strong following. Over the years, she continued to operate several successful restaurants.
Even though The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box have closed, Deen remains active in the restaurant industry with her Paula Deen’s Family Kitchens, which are located in Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Branson. According to the post, Deen and her sons plan to focus more on these locations, including making visits to those cities.
What Happens Next
The closure of The Lady & Sons marks the end of an era for Paula Deen in Georgia, but she continues to make her mark in the restaurant business through her other ventures. As she shifts focus to her remaining establishments, it remains to be seen how this change will affect her brand and the future of her restaurants.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
