‘So You Don’t Have to Face Workers You Stiffed’: Paula Deen Triggers Backlash After Posting 'Out of Town' Message as Staff Reveal How They Were Let Go and Her Parting Advice 

Former Food Network star Paula Deen , 78, shocked her followers by closing two of her famous businesses last month.

Dean announced she shut the doors of The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box on July 31. The two locations became local landmarks in Savannah, Georgia.

“Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years. We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors,” read remarks on Deen’s official website .

The statement continued, “We are equally grateful to our incredible staff—past and present—whose hard work, care, and hospitality made The Lady & Sons what it was. Savannah will always be our home, and we’ll always be here to support our wonderful community.”

Following the announcement that The Lady & Sons coming to