Bobby Deen was born on April 28, 1970, in Albany, Georgia, the younger son of celebrity chef Paula Deen and her first husband, Jimmy Deen. Growing up in a household built around food, Bobby and his brother Jamie helped transform their mother’s catering business, The Bag Lady, into one of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants. He attended college but did not complete a degree, choosing instead to pursue the family culinary business full-time.

Bobby made his Food Network debut through appearances on his mother’s shows Paula’s Home Cooking and Paula’s Party. In 2006, he and Jamie co-hosted Road Tasted, traveling the country in search of regional food. His solo show Not My Mama’s Meals premiered on Cooking Channel in 2012, offering healthier Southern recipes. He also hosted Holiday Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship on Food Network.

Beyond television, Bobby co-authored four books with Jamie and released his solo book From Mama’s Table to Mine (2013), a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. He and Jamie co-managed The Lady & Sons restaurant with their mother until it permanently closed on July 31, 2025. In 2025, he appeared in the documentary Canceled: The Paula Deen Story.