The culinary world is buzzing with the news that Paula Deen’s flagship Savannah restaurant, The Lady & Sons, has abruptly closed its doors, marking the end of an era for a beloved institution that propelled the Southern chef to national stardom.

For nearly three decades, Paula Deen, alongside her sons Jamie and Bobby Deen, cultivated a loyal following at The Lady & Sons, a beacon of indulgent Southern cuisine. Even after her “Paula’s Home Cooking” show was canceled by Food Network in 2013, devoted fans continued to flock to Savannah, eager to experience the famed buffet.

At 78 years old, Deen announced on Friday that both The Lady & Sons and its takeout counterpart, The Chicken Box, were permanently shut down. A statement released on her website and social media expressed “heartfelt decision” and gratitude for 36 years of memories, though it refrained from disclosing the reasons behind the sudden restaurant closure.

Despite this significant development in Savannah, Paula Deen confirmed that her four other restaurants located in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri, will continue operations, ensuring her brand’s presence remains strong in other parts of the South.

The surprise closure was evident as brown paper covered the windows of The Lady & Sons, and signs at the entrance declared their “retirement.” Locals and visitors alike were caught off guard; Adrienne Morton, who had a dinner reservation, received an unexpected cancellation, and Martin Rowe noted that business appeared robust just before the shutdown, adding to the mystery surrounding the Savannah food landmark’s abrupt end.

Paula Deen’s journey to fame began in Savannah, transforming from nearly broke to a culinary icon. Starting with a catering business called The Bag Lady in 1989, she opened her first restaurant a few years later, eventually establishing The Lady & Sons downtown in 1996. The restaurant quickly gained immense popularity, serving over a thousand diners daily at its peak and earning critical acclaim, including a “meal of the year” award from USA Today in 1999.

Her partnership with Food Network began with “Paula’s Home Cooking” in 2002, leading to over 200 episodes filmed largely from her home kitchen. However, her prominent role with Food Network concluded in 2013 following a highly publicized lawsuit and a controversial deposition regarding comments on race, a challenging period that tested her career.

Despite the setbacks, Paula Deen has made a resilient return to the public eye. She appeared on popular shows such as ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” and Fox’s “MasterChef: Legends,” and launched “At Home With Paula Deen” on Fox Nation in 2020. Her enduring connection with fans is also evident through her vibrant YouTube channel, boasting over 520,000 subscribers, where she continues to share her beloved Southern cuisine recipes.

The closure of The Lady & Sons undoubtedly marks a significant moment for Paula Deen’s legacy and the Savannah culinary landscape, leaving fans to ponder the future of her iconic brand while celebrating the indelible mark she has left on Southern cooking.