You’re walking down West Congress Street in Savannah, looking for that famous three-story brick building. You can almost smell the fried chicken and the syrupy scent of peach cobbler. But when you get to the corner of Whitaker, something feels off. The bustling line is gone. The heavy doors are locked.
If you’re looking for Paula Deen restaurants Savannah, the reality on the ground has changed dramatically. Honestly, it's a bit of a shock for folks who haven't visited the Hostess City in a year or two. The landscape of Southern comfort food in Savannah just isn't what it used to be.
The End of an Era at The Lady & Sons
For over thirty years, The Lady & Sons wasn't just a place to eat; it was a pilgrimage. People would wait hours—literally hours—in the humid Georgia heat just to get a taste of Paula’s buffet. It all started back in 1989 with a meager $200 and a catering business called "The Bag Lady." Paula and her sons, Jamie and Bobby, would deliver lunch bags to office workers downtown.
That small hustle turned into a culinary empire. By 1996, they opened the first version of The Lady & Sons, eventually moving into the massive space on Congress Street that became a landmark.
But here is the news that’s still catching tourists off guard: The Lady & Sons is permanently closed. The doors shut for good on July 31, 2025. It wasn't a slow fade, either. It was an abrupt goodbye. Paula and her sons released a statement thanking everyone for 36 years of loyalty, but they didn't really give a "why." No big farewell tour, no final buffet week. Just... closed.
What happened to the other spots?
It wasn't just the flagship that bit the dust. The Chicken Box, which was the newer, casual takeout joint right next door, also closed its doors on that same day in July.
And if you were hoping to head over to the water for some seafood, you’re out of luck there too. Paula Deen’s Creek House Seafood & Grill—which sat in the old Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House location—actually closed down even earlier, back in early 2023.
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Basically, as of right now, there are no active Paula Deen restaurants operating in Savannah. It's wild to think about, considering how much she put this city on the culinary map for the average traveler.
Why did the Savannah locations close?
People love a good conspiracy theory, especially when it involves celebrities. Was it the lingering shadow of the 2013 controversy? Was it the food quality?
If you talk to locals, you’ll get a mix of answers. Some say the quality dipped after the pandemic when the famous buffet was replaced by a family-style service. Others point to the "private equity" factor. Back in 2014, Paula Deen Ventures received a massive investment—somewhere in the neighborhood of $75 million to $100 million—from a firm called Phoenix Brands.
When big money moves in, the focus often shifts from "mom and pop" charm to "scalable business models." It's possible the massive three-story Savannah building just became too expensive to run compared to the newer "Family Kitchen" models in high-traffic tourist hubs like Pigeon Forge or Branson.
Also, let's be real: Savannah’s food scene has exploded. You’ve got The Grey, Common Thread, and Elizabeth on 37th. The competition is fierce. Serving up "fried chicken and sweet tea" works, but you have to be at the top of your game when there’s a new award-winning bistro on every corner.
Where can you still find Paula’s food?
Don't panic if you’ve got a specific craving for that hoecakes and gooey butter cake. The "Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen" brand is still very much alive; it just isn't in Savannah anymore.
If you’re willing to drive, or if your travels take you elsewhere, you can still find her family-style dining at these spots:
- Pigeon Forge, TN: Probably the busiest one, located at The Island.
- Myrtle Beach, SC: Right at Broadway at the Beach.
- Branson, MO: At the Branson Landing.
- Nashville, TN: Located near Opry Mills.
These locations use a specific "pay-one-price" model where they bring platters of food to your table to share. It's different from the old Savannah buffet, but the recipes are the same.
The one thing still standing in Savannah
Wait! There is one small piece of the empire left in the 912 area code.
The Paula Deen Retail Store at 108 West Congress Street has managed to stay open (for now). If you want to buy the "House Seasoning," a signed cookbook, or some Southern-themed kitchen gadgets, you can still walk in and shop. It’s right next to the now-vacant restaurant.
It’s a bit bittersweet to browse the aprons and biscuit mixes while looking at the "Closed" signs on the restaurant next door, but it’s the only way to get your Paula fix in the Historic District these days.
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Better Savannah alternatives for Southern food
Since you can't grab lunch at The Lady & Sons anymore, you're going to need a backup plan. Savannah does not lack for butter and lard.
- Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room: This is the "gold standard." It’s only open for lunch (11 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday). You sit at big communal tables with strangers and eat the best fried chicken and black-eyed peas of your life. It’s cash only and there’s always a line.
- The Olde Pink House: A bit more upscale, but their "Southern Sushi" (smoked shrimp and grits rolled in a crepe) and their fried chicken are legendary. It’s inside an 18th-century mansion. Very "Savannah."
- Crystal Beer Parlor: Great for a casual vibe. Their peach cobbler is huge, and the fried green tomatoes are some of the best in town.
Planning your trip: Next steps
If you were planning a trip specifically to eat at a Paula Deen restaurant in Savannah, you need to pivot.
First, cancel any ghost of a reservation you think you might have. Some third-party sites still list the restaurant as active, but they haven't updated their data.
Second, check out the Paula Deen Retail Store if you really want a souvenir, but don't expect a meal.
Lastly, if you are absolutely dead-set on the "Family Kitchen" experience, look at Myrtle Beach or Pigeon Forge for your next vacation. Savannah has moved on to a new chapter of its culinary history, and while the "Butter Queen" will always be a part of the city's lore, her dining rooms are officially part of the past.
For the most up-to-date info on store hours for the retail shop, your best bet is to call them directly at (912) 232-1579, as things in the downtown area are changing fast.