America once came too close to seeing the end of affordable seafood and warm cheddar biscuits.
Tears ran down millions of families’ faces as an endless shrimp empire began crumbling, dealing a potential death blow to the nostalgic restaurant where many memories were created.
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Although some questionable business strategies contributed to its near-destruction, it would have been a terrible loss nonetheless.
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Customers’ cautious spending amid a struggling economy caused the chain restaurant to face sharp declines in foot traffic and sales. In response, it launched an unsustainable all-you-can-eat deal that contributed to an $11 million quarterly loss at the end of 2023.
Now that the worst is behind it, the restaurant has overcome too many hurdles to give up.
Red Lobster files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May with a total debt of nearly $300 million.
It eventually exited bankruptcy in September after receiving court approval for its restructuring plan and being acquired by the investment group RL Investor Holdings LLC.
Related: Nostalgic seafood restaurant chain exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Since gaining new ownership, the seafood restaurant chain has made multiple changes to return to growth and better compete amid an unpredictable economy.
Although its failed $20 all-you-can-eat shrimp offering is no longer available, Red Lobster has devised a new plan to promote innovation while preventing this kind of mishap.
Red Lobster announces a major restaurant change with new additions
In honor of its annual Crabfest, Red Lobster is revamping its menu with new additions and a surprise first-ever launch.
This year’s summer menu includes new crab dishes, such as Crabby-Stuffed Mushrooms, Crab-Topped Asparagus, Crab-Topped Potato, Steak Oscar, and Salmon Oscar.
However, that’s not all, because the restaurant chain is introducing the all-new Seafood Boils, which can be ordered as an entree or a family meal.
Customers can choose from the two options below and top them with Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, or Old Bay seasoning.
- Mariner’s Boil, featuring a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes; and
- Sailor’s Boil, featuring a mix of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes.
To join the beverage trend, Red Lobster is also introducing “Festival Summer Sips,” an entirely new lineup of alcoholic beverages, featuring Purple Haze by Dre & Snoop, STILL G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop, Passion Star Spritz, and Starry Eyed Surprise.
The new menu additions are available for a limited time at participating locations nationwide.
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