Paula Deen's second course: Celebrity chef launches Paula Deen Ventures

Private equity firm Najafi Cos. is serving up to $100 million to celebrity chef Paula Deen to back her new enterprise, Paula Deen Ventures, according to a report by Bloomberg Businessweek.

The new business launches less than a year after Paula Deen Enterprises fell out of favor with advertisers and some fans after allegations were made that she and her brother, Bubba Hiers, were guilty of inappropriate workplace behavior, including using racial epithets to and about employees.

Paula Deen Ventures allows Deen to have more control over her business relationships with retailers but no mention is made of whether Deen plans to return to television. There is also no mention of what, if any, role her brother Bubba will have in the new business. Although complaints about his behavior were what initially led to scrutiny of her company and revealed the alleged racism, Deen is known for her loyalty to her younger brother.

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