FOLEY – Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, an anchor of Foley’s Downtown OWA, has closed permanently.

Social media was abuzz Wednesday, Jan. 3, after reports that the restaurant had abruptly closed. A check of the Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen website revealed the Foley location is no longer listed and the Google listing shows the restaurant as permanently closed.

Kristin Hellmich, director of external communications for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which owns OWA, confirmed the closure with Gulf Coast Media.

Hellmich provided a statement but also cleared up rumors circulating on social media that employees had no notice of the closure. According to Hellmich, the staff in human resources took to the phone early Wednesday to notify employees of the closure before they reported to work. The exception was three employees who arrived early. Payroll was ready for all employees to pick up, and human resources was available to help with job opportunities at OWA and other businesses owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Hellmich estimates the restaurant has approximately 40 employees.

The official statement Hellmich provided to Gulf Coast Media read:

“Our commitment remains focused on continually enhancing the offerings at OWA to create a vibrant, diverse environment for our guests. Therefore, after deep and careful consideration, it was decided to close Paula Deen's Family Kitchen at OWA, effective Jan. 3, 2024. The Foley, AL, location of Paula Deen's Family Kitchen was independently owned by OWA.

“During this time of transition, we have been committed to actively assisting those affected employees by providing guidance and support. This has included providing options for new employment opportunities within other areas on our property, at our other Tribal-owned businesses and through local employment resources.

“While this marks the end of an era, it also ushers in a new and thrilling chapter as we continue to transform the west end of Downtown OWA. A new attraction is coming to this space, and it is slated to open summer 2024. We look forward to the positive impact this new attraction will bring to our collective success.”

Baldwin County waited two years for the Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen to open at OWA Parks and Resort. Deen was in attendance for the opening celebration on Dec. 16, 2019. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant had seating for up to 290 guests and featured a large gift shop.

The restaurant struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic and hosted Deen for a book signing in April 2022. It was her first visit since the pandemic. Her most recent visit occured  in April 2023.