Paula Deen Closes Savannah Restaurants After 36 Years

Paula Deen, former Food Network star, has abruptly closed The Lady & Sons and the adjacent Chicken Box in Savannah, Georgia, ending a 36-year run that began with her 1989 catering business, The Bag Lady. The closures, effective July 31, 2025, surprised staff and patrons and mark the end of an era for restaurants that contributed to Savannah’s national culinary reputation. While no specific reason was provided, the Deen family stated their intention to focus on Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Missouri, which remain open. Deen expressed gratitude to customers and staff, reiterating her family's deep ties to Savannah. Despite a 2013 controversy that impacted her career, Deen maintained a loyal following and her restaurants continued to draw crowds. As her establishments shutter, new dining concepts such as Municipal Grand are emerging in Savannah.