Paula Deen Shutters Savannah Restaurants After Decades

Paula Deen Savannah restaurants have officially closed after more than 30 years of serving Southern classics. On August 1, Paula Deen announced the unexpected shutdown of her iconic Savannah eateries, The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box. This marks the end of an era for the beloved local dining spots that helped launch her culinary career.

The Lady & Sons began as The Bag Lady in 1989, a catering service delivering home-cooked meals. It quickly evolved into a restaurant operating out of a Best Western. By 1996, the venue had rebranded to The Lady & Sons and grew alongside Paula Deen’s rising fame.

Though these beloved Savannah spots have closed, Paula and her sons, Jamie and Bobby, will keep serving Southern classics at their Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations.

Paula Deen Savannah Restaurants Close After Decades

In her official announcement, Paula expressed deep gratitude to fans and staff:

“July 31 was the final day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box. Thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 36 years. We cherish every customer and every team member who helped build these restaurants.”

She reassured that Savannah remains close to her heart:

“Savannah is our home, and we will always support this wonderful community.”

Paula Deen Family Kitchen: The New Restaurant Focus

Paula’s culinary journey started with just $200 in 1989 as she launched The Bag Lady with her sons. She recalls:

“I spent $50 on groceries, about $40 on a cooler, and the rest on a business license. While my sons delivered meals, I prepared for the next day, cleaning and cooking.”

By 1996, The Lady & Sons officially opened as a full-service restaurant. A few years and cookbooks later, Paula became a Food Network star with Paula’s Home Cooking premiering in 2002.

Focus Shifts to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

With her Savannah restaurants closed, Paula and her family are focusing on expanding Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. These locations serve traditional family recipes and are found in:

• Nashville, Tennessee

• Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Branson, Missouri

Paula plans to visit the Branson location on August 8 and stay involved with these growing restaurants.

Paula Deen’s influence on Southern cooking has been significant, inspiring generations with her authentic recipes and warm hospitality. Fans expressed heartfelt sadness upon hearing about the closures but remain supportive of her evolving restaurant ventures. For those who want to keep up with Paula’s latest updates, following her family kitchen locations and online store is the best way to stay connected.