News Summary
Paula Deen has announced the closure of The Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah after nearly 36 years. The popular establishment, known for its Southern cuisine, ceased operations on July 31, with Deen expressing gratitude to loyal customers. Along with The Lady & Sons, The Chicken Box will also close. The decision comes as a shift in focus for Deen, who plans to concentrate on her other Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations. The closure has left patrons and employees in shock, marking the end of a beloved chapter in Savannah’s culinary landscape.
Savannah, Georgia – Paula Deen has announced the closure of The Lady & Sons restaurant, a fixture in Savannah’s historic district for nearly 36 years. This closure comes as a surprise to many patrons and employees alike, marking the end of an era for the popular dining establishment known for its Southern cuisine.
The Lady & Sons officially ceased operations on July 31, 2025, with Deen revealing the news through a statement on social media. Alongside The Lady & Sons, her second restaurant, The Chicken Box, will also close its doors. Deen and her sons, Jamie and Bobby, described the decision to close as “heartfelt,” expressing gratitude toward their loyal customers for their years of support and highlighting the restaurant’s legacy in the community.
At its peak, The Lady & Sons catered to around 1,100 diners each day, renowned for delectable offerings such as fried chicken and banana pudding. Despite the cancellation of Deen’s television show, “Paula’s Home Cooking,” in 2013, the restaurant continued to attract devoted fans, solidifying its status as a culinary landmark in Savannah.
Reasons Behind the Closure
While the statement announcing the closures did not specify the reasons, signs posted on the restaurant’s windows thanked customers and staff while indicating the establishment’s permanent closure. This unexpected turn has left many employees feeling caught off guard, with some expressing disappointment regarding the handling of the situation, citing minimal severance offerings.
A Shift in Focus
In light of the closure, Deen is shifting her hospitality focus, planning to concentrate on the remaining Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations, which operate outside of Savannah. These include restaurants in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri. Deen has confirmed plans for visits to the Branson location on August 8.
A Legacy of Southern Cuisine
The Lady & Sons first opened its doors in January 1996, originally starting in a smaller venue before moving to a larger location on West Congress Street in November 2003. Deen initially began her culinary journey in 1989 with a catering business called The Bag Lady before establishing The Lady & Sons, which quickly became a tourist destination, particularly following the debut of her Food Network show in 2002.
Over the years, Deen’s reputation has faced significant challenges, notably following a 2013 lawsuit concerning her use of a racial slur. Despite this controversy, she retained a loyal following, with many celebrating her contributions to Southern cuisine.
The Community Reaction
The sudden announcement of The Lady & Sons’ closure has left local residents and frequent patrons in shock, with many speculating on the impact it will have on the local tourist experience. The restaurant has long been a beloved destination for both tourists and locals alike, and its absence is expected to be felt deeply within the Savannah dining landscape.
As The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box close their doors, the Deen family steps away from a notable chapter in Savannah’s culinary history, leaving behind a rich legacy of Southern dishes that have delighted countless diners over the years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons Restaurant Closes After 36 Years
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Paula Deen
- WTOC
- Google Search: Paula Deen restaurant closure
- AJC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Paula Deen
- WJCL
- Google News: Paula Deen Savannah restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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