Paula Deen Closes Iconic Savannah Restaurants: Reflecting on The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box Legacy
Paula Deen recently announced the closure of two of her restaurants, The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, located in Savannah, Georgia. The decision to close the establishments after 36 years was made by Deen and her sons, Jamie and Bobby, who expressed gratitude to their loyal customers and dedicated staff for their support over the years. Moving forward, Deen will focus on her four remaining Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations in Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Branson, with plans to visit these restaurants regularly starting in August.
The Lady & Sons, known as Deen's flagship restaurant, had its beginnings in 1989 when Deen started her first business out of her home. The restaurant gained recognition for its Southern-style cuisine and family-style spread of hearty dishes, earning the title of “International Meal of the Year” from USA Today in 1999. The Chicken Box, a restaurant located behind The Lady & Sons, opened its doors in 2023, offering a variety of delicious dishes to patrons.
Following the closure announcement, locals and visitors expressed surprise and well wishes for the future. Many were taken aback by the sudden closure of The Lady & Sons, as the restaurant was always bustling with customers. Despite the unexpected news, patrons and fans of Deen expressed hope that everything would work out for the best.
The closures of The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box mark the end of an era for Deen, who faced controversy in 2013 when her long-running Food Network series, Paula's Home Cooking, was not renewed after she admitted to using a racial slur in the past. Despite the challenges, Deen continues to share her love for cooking through her YouTube channel, where she recently posted a tutorial on making apple strudel. The legacy of The Lady & Sons and Deen's culinary expertise will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who enjoyed her delicious Southern cuisine.