Paula Deen Announces Closure of Two Restaurants With a ‘Heartfelt Decision’
Paula Deen has announced her choice to unexpectedly close two of her most beloved restaurants.
“Hello, everyone, my sons and I made the heartfelt choice that Thursday, July 31st, marked the final day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box,” Deen, 78, shared on her restaurant’s official Facebook page.
“We are grateful for the wonderful memories and your loyalty over these past 36 years,” the statement continued. “We hold endless love and gratitude for every guest who has walked through our doors. We are equally thankful for our amazing staff – both past and present – whose dedication, care, and hospitality shaped The Lady & Sons into what it has been.”
The former Food Network star further emphasized that “Savannah will always be our home,” adding, “we’ll always be here to support our fantastic community.”
“We will now shift our focus to the four Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations across the country — in Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Branson,” the announcement wrapped up. “We’re excited to visit these restaurants regularly, starting with Branson on August 8th.”
The restaurateur also provided contact information for those with upcoming reservations at the now-closed establishments. The message was signed by Deen and her sons, Jamie and Bobby.
Deen has been living a more subdued life since her tenure on various Food Network shows and following a scandal in 2013, when she admitted to using racial slurs during a taped deposition. At that time, Deen was accused by a former employee of racial discrimination. Both parties eventually agreed to dismiss the legal dispute “without any award of costs or fees to any party.”
“I had to step back and take a moment to reflect so that I could see things from all angles,” Deen explained during a 2014 appearance on Today regarding the incident. “Words are incredibly powerful. They can inflict pain or bring joy — unfortunately, my words hurt people. They let people down. Honestly, I disappointed myself. For that, I’m deeply sorry. I regret the pain I caused others because it had profound repercussions. People lost their jobs, and it resonated through corporate America. I aim to bring happiness to people, not sadness.”
Since then, Deen has gradually re-entered the public eye through her YouTube channel, which currently boasts 518,000 subscribers.
She has also remained close to her two sons and her husband of over twenty years, Michael Groover.
“Happy 21st anniversary to the man who always brings a smile to my face!” she posted on Instagram in March 2025. “I once believed our wedding day would be the happiest of my life, but every day with you becomes better and better.”
