Paula Deen Opening Mega-Restaurant Inside of Casino

With all of her food TV antics (and stints in Cameron Crowe films), it's easy to forget that Paula Deen got her start as the chef/owner of popular Savannah, GA bistro Lady & Sons. Now, after many years in front of the camera, Deen is returning to the restaurant biz with a brand new spot in Asheville, NC, called "Paula Deen's Kitchen." It will open inside The Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel, a world-class gaming destination.

As with all things Deen, the new restaurant will be larger than life. Both tableside and buffet-style service will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the dining room will seat over 400 hungry slot jockeys. Says Paula of the new project:

“I couldn't be more excited to be a part of Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel...I couldn't think of a better mix – southern food and casinos. It has all the ingredients for a good time.”

Paula fans have another reason to get excited: the restaurant will be connected to a 1,800-square-foot Paula Deen retail shop offering an exclusive line of Deen-branded cookbooks, spices, tchotchkes and apparel. Paula Deen's Kitchen is set to class-up the Harrah's Cherokee in Fall of 2010. Please make your travel plans accordingly.
·Paula Deen to open restaurant at Harrah's [Asheville Citizen-Times]
·All Paula Deen Coverage on Eater [-EN-]