Jamie Deen, the elder brother by less than three years, attended Valdosta State University and was working in various businesses when the Paula Deen brand was in its infancy. Always one to see opportunities, the Albany, Georgia native's ability to use his business experience and solid work ethic to help Paula identify, market and build the transformation from a home meal delivery business to one of America's most successful restaurant launches, Lady and Sons in Savannah. It was that launch, which was well planned, and executed without losing any of the folksy and fun aspects that Paula Deen brought to her recipes and presentation that become the seminal moment for Deen brand growth. Jamie's careful attention to the business side freed his mom to craft recipes that gave the Deen brand its first national exposure and launched the mega brand that Paula Deen is today.
Not satisfied with being a successful restauranteur and marketer, Jamie and brother Bobby began formulating their next steps, first appearing to rave reviews on his mother's shows on the Food Network, and then launching their own show, "Road Tasted." From there, the brothers Deen launched a pair of best selling standalone cookbooks The Deen Bros. Cookbook-Recipes From the Road in 2007 and most recently, Y'all Come Eat, released in 2008, with more projects planned in 2009 and beyond. Even with their global success, Jamie remains very true to all the southern traditions that he grew up with. Jamie, his wife Brooke and their son Jack reside in Savannah.
Younger brother Bobby Deen joined the cooking family business at an earlier age, working with Paula in her at-home meal delivery business as a teenager, and eventually joining in the running of The Lady and Sons as it launched. One of People Magazine's 50 Most Eligible Bachelors in 2006, Bobby is a restaurant entrepreneur lifer, and compliments both the style of his mom and his brother. Bobby did a great amount of the behind the scenes work with Paula in the early days of The Lady & Sons, but his effervescent personality and understanding of the food business served as the natural foundation for him to join brother Jamie in the successful Deen Brothers partnership that they are both now managing and creating in publishing, new media and television. The Food Network's "Road Tasted" is one of the most-searched cooking shows in television history, as much for the appeal of its hosts as for the down-home recipes offered up to a growing legion of new fans.
Bobby is a notorious sports enthusiast and whenever possible enjoys time on the golf course or playing baseball. Among his family and friends, he is known for being a great dinner host at his Savannah home which often involves casual grill dinners and watching a game on a big screen TV.
Fans may access the VIP meet and greet with purchase of Jamie and Bobby's new book from Borders Stonecrest. Proof of purchase is required to access the book signing event.
The Mall at Stonecrest is located off I-20, exit 75 Turner Hill Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www.mallatstonecrest.com.
