Four Paula Deen Buffets To Close As Caesars Entertainment Cuts Ties With Chef

One of the four Deen-themed eateries to close at Caesars properties.

One of the four Deen-themed eateries to close at Caesars properties.

The Paula Deen scandal wagon rolls on, with one of the world’s largest gaming companies parting ways with the celebrity chef on the same day as she made a tearful appearance on NBC’s Today Show.

Caesars Entertainment — which runs casinos, resorts, and golf courses under the Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, Bally’s, and several other brands — announced this morning that it had decided to not renew its business relationship with Deen, whose name was used on four restaurants run at different Caesars properties.

The Deen-themed eateries being closed are located at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Harrah’s Tunica, Harrah’s Joliet, and Harrah’s Cherokee. Caesars says it intends to rebrand the shuttered restaurants in the coming months

“While we appreciate Paula’s sincere apologies for statements she made in her past that she recently disclosed during a deposition given in response to a lawsuit, after thoughtful consideration of their impact, we have mutually decided that it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time,” reads a statement from Caesars.

This news comes shortly after Smithfield Foods announced it was dropping Deen, and QVC voiced concerns about continuing its relationship with the TV chef and restaurateur.

UPDATE: Walmart has announced that it will cease ordering new Paula Deen branded houseware products after its existing supply runs out.

Caesars Terminates Relationship With Paula Deen, Shutters Four Restaurants [Eater.com]

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