Paula Deen Abruptly Closes Savannah Restaurants

Paula Deen has abruptly closed her two flagship Savannah, Georgia restaurants, The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, after 36 years of operation, ending her restaurant presence in Georgia. The closure, announced on social media and co-signed by Deen's sons, gave no specific reason and left many employees shocked, with some learning of their unemployment only upon arriving to locked doors and police presence, and without advance notice or severance. Deen's restaurant empire has significantly contracted since her 2013 scandal involving admitted use of racial slurs and discrimination allegations. The Deen family will now focus on their remaining Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen locations in Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Branson, and plan to visit those sites regularly. Deen reaffirmed her ongoing support for the Savannah community. She also provided contact information for customers with outstanding reservations or gift cards.