Red Lobster will shut down its North Monroe Street restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida. This location is the longest continuously operating branch of the chain and will close on May 24 after 56 years of service.
The company described the restaurant as holding a unique place in Red Lobster’s history and emphasized its importance to the community. In an official statement, Red Lobster clarified that they periodically review restaurant performance and lease conditions, leading to the decision to close or relocate certain branches based on specific circumstances.
Despite the closure, the acting general manager expressed pride in the dedicated staff. Red Lobster has expressed gratitude towards its guests and team members for their support over the years.
Red Lobster stated that the decision to make the famous Endless Shrimp promotion permanent might have contributed to financial difficulties.
Earlier, Red Lobster had shut down many locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024. The company sold off its real estate in 2014, leading to costly lease payments, as reported by Fox Business.
Following bankruptcy protection, Red Lobster introduced new menu items to attract customers. RL Investor Holdings LLC acquired the company, and Damola Adamolekun, a former P.F. Chang’s CEO, took over as Red Lobster’s new CEO.
Adamolekun acknowledged inheriting a brand with challenges and outlined plans to streamline operations. The new menu features dishes like lobster pappardelle pasta, bacon-wrapped sea scallops, lobster bisque, and lemon basil mahi.
Recently, Red Lobster reinstated the Endless Shrimp promotion temporarily, clarifying this with a statement to Fox13.