Paula Deen inks business deal worth $75 to $100 million

today.com ^ | 2/14/2014 | Danika Fears

[RoosterRedux]

The queen of Southern cuisine is making a comeback — and this time she's all business.

Paula Deen's newly formed company, Paula Deen Ventures, has secured between $75 million and $100 million of funding from private equity firm Najafi Cos, which is led by Book-of-the-Month Club owner Jahm Najafi. This latest enterprise will entail the restructuring of the chef's many brands, which include Paula Deen Foods, Paula Deen Restaurants, and Paula Deen Media.

“We know that the enterprise will be successful and valuable, as Paula and her team continue to bring quality products and experiences to her loyal fan base; and now we have a proven management team in place to build and lead the organization,” Najafi said in a statement.

New business deals are already on the horizon: The company is discussing possible partnerships with TV networks, retail chains and other partners, according to Paula Deen Ventures' chief executive Steven Nanula. The Food Network, which announced it would not renew Deen's contract last June, is not on that list.

This new company was formed less than a year after Deen, 67, found herself embroiled in scandal when she admitted to using the "n"-word and planning a "plantation-style Southern wedding" during a court deposition that went public last May. In the wake of those revelations, the TV chef lost at least 12 business deals, with companies like Walgreens, J.C. Penney and Smithfield Foods terminating her contracts.

[RoosterRedux]

You are full of crap. Many of Paula partners are Black. And they stood behind her during this bullsh!t flap.

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Paula Deen Ventures, has secured between $75 million and $100 million of funding from private equity firm Najafi Cos

For the vengeful out there... the next step would be to organize a boycott of Najafi Cos... ( but how do you do that with a private equity firm?)

[nickcarraway]

Her true colors were revealed. The funny thing is the woman she was mistreating was WHITE. A lot of people think it's okay, since they think she was black. It still wouldn't be alright if she was, but it's not that she's just a racist, she just hates human beings that, "are beneath her."

Maybe this episode has taught her who she should or shouldn’t be supporting in the future.

You want to bet? He whole worldview is leftist. After his trial, George Zimmerman's brother talked about how George is still supports and loves Obama.

[RoosterRedux]

So all white people are good and nonwhite people are bad?

OK, pull over white boy. It's against the law to freep and drink...and you are clearly over the blood/alcohol limit!

[RoosterRedux]

Put down the bottle and back away with your hands up!

[353FMG]

Paula will now concentrate more on the “opossum and sweet potatoes” cuisine in order to get in Al’s and Jessie’s good graces.

[clintonh8r]

So, I shouldn’t send you the Paula Deen cookware this Christmas? (You could always regift it).

[nickcarraway]

Many of Paula partners are Black. And they stood behind her during this bullsh!t flap.

Are you daft?? OF COURSE! Democrats always stand behind Democrats. And apparently you do too.

[Nifster]

Was unaware that you know her personally

[nickcarraway]

By your logic Robert Byrd and the Klan aren’t racist, because Democrats stand behind them.

[MrChips]

Obviously, you don’t know Southern food. Don’t equate with the slop that Paula dishes out to tourists.

[RoosterRedux]

WTF are you saying. Hands up and away from the bottle!

[I got the rope]

hey send it to me. I love her stuff. don’t like her politics...and yes I do believe she is racist. She has to be...she’s a democrat.

[RoosterRedux]

Obviously, you don’t know Southern food.

Gosh, born and raised here by Southerners who trace their roots back to the 1700's...and I don't know Southern food.

Where are you from MrChips?

[nickcarraway]

Did you read any of the articles about this case? Apparently not. The woman was WHITE. An elitist Democrat mistreated a hard-working person that worked for her. You been done snookered right good, boy.

[MrChips]

Savannah.

[RoosterRedux]

It’s Saturday night on FR. Everyone knows Paula personally because they saw her on TV (wasn’t that her on TV last night? Or was that Downton Abbey? Dunno...too much alky.)

[RoosterRedux]

Well, then you might qualify as an authority on Southern quisine.;-)

I am down in Douglas.

[cloudmountain]

Have never watched her shows; doubt I ever will. But good for her. If every white person in this country that had EVER used the “N” word lost their job, where would the government get it’s tax money from? Tired of the old double standard; I can’t use the word, but blacks can toss it around like pizza dough. Screw all the PC crap.

I once had it explained to me by a liberal who PATIENTLY told me that minorities are ENTITLED to all the extras, affirmative action, and such because WE WHITE FOLKS had all the power. Having all the power wasn't just or fair so the minorities were ENTITLED to all the extras they could get.

I was speechless, unfortunately, and could only gape at her and her absurdities. Oh well.

[RoosterRedux]

Boy? You called me "Boy".

My minority blood will get you for that. You called me BOY?