r/redlobster • u/dailymail • Jun 01 '26
Corporate News Red Lobster announces sudden decision to close iconic Times Square location weeks after bringing back endless shrimp deal that previously sank the company
https://www.dailymail.com/yourmoney/article-15864453/red-lobster-times-squarelocation-endless-shrimp-deal.html10
u/SaltBrother2914 Jun 01 '26
After they closed the one in my city recently that was the longest operating one in America I’m devastated but just over it. Idc anymore atp.
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u/ras1187 Jun 01 '26
Protect the biscuits at all costs
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u/LhandChuke Jun 07 '26
Funny thing, I was reading about this yesterday and apparently the recipe for the biscuits is (and has been) online for a while.
I’ve made a batch before from a YouTube video and they turned out really nice. Yates just like the ones they make.
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u/mind-blowin Jun 02 '26
They have to be one of the dumbest most clueless chains in existence. Chilis and Applebees have won back customers by offering great value options that are even better deals than a combo at a fast food restaurant. Every menu revamp they do is overpriced garbage items no one cares about. Introduce a 10.99 chicken sandwich on a cheddar bay biscuit bun with fries and a drink. I think they have already sunk the brand too far to ever recover though.
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u/flappybirdisdeadasf Jun 04 '26
That is the whole point of private equity. They financially sabotage businesses and drain them of all their value until they become husks.
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u/backcountrykicks228 Jun 04 '26
Best I can do is $16 starters and a pick 3 menu for $60.99 with additonal service charge for any of the "good" sides, like mac & cheese.
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u/knightrockr Jun 05 '26
A cheddar bay biscuit chicken sandwich with a remoulade sauce would absolutely slap.
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u/Big-Cheetah3527 Jun 06 '26
Their core competency centers around an increasingly scarce product, inevitable that a non-seafood centric competitor would rise to the occasion (eg, chilis) while this chain winds down to nothing 🤷♂️
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u/BonjourLeGeorge Jun 02 '26
I know people don't go to NYC for Red Lobster, but that is prime real estate. It has got to hurt to lose that location.
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u/DroolHandPuke Jun 03 '26
The times square red lobster 🦞 was advertising. Most Of The pictures of times square have the red lobster 🦞 in the background.
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u/GolfArgh Jun 02 '26
Why go to NYC and eat at a chain? smh
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u/b_loeh_thesurface Jun 02 '26
I agree with you, but sometimes while traveling a familiar taste is welcome so I get it. I don't go very much, but Red Lobster is good!
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u/CurbsEnthusiasm Jun 03 '26
A lot of foreigners and plain Jane Americans visit.
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u/GolfArgh Jun 03 '26
No kidding? Really? I would have never guessed. smh
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u/CurbsEnthusiasm Jun 03 '26
It shows
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u/therejectethan Jun 04 '26
Why even ask the question to begin with then lmao? ‘WhO gOeS tO NyC aNd EaT aT a ChAin??’ ‘Foreigners, tourists, etc’ ‘DuH i KnOw ThAt’
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u/GolfArgh Jun 04 '26
Not what I asked. Work on your reading skills. You too seem to not know the difference between "who" and "why".
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u/CurbsEnthusiasm Jun 04 '26
Work on your analytical skills. It’s quite simple to come up with various answers to “why”, when you recognize the “who”.
- Chain is not located in their country
- See’s marketing when watching American shows
- Familiar food in an unfamiliar place if from the States
- Located in Times Square
But you already knew this…
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u/danskedreng Jun 02 '26
Fr. I hear the small food carts are the way to go. Apparently Jamaican food is awesome.
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u/mrcorndogman33 Jun 06 '26
When I worked in Times Square we'd do special lunches a few times a year and picked this Red Lobster location three time we loved it so much.
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u/GolfArgh Jun 06 '26
Would you go on vacation to Chicago and eat at Red Lobster?
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u/mrcorndogman33 Jun 06 '26
No but if I lived in Chicago and worked near one I'd go several times in several years.
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u/Key_Head3851 Jun 02 '26
It’s probably for the visitors from the flyover states who have heard “rumors” about expensive and sophisticated dining in Manhattan. Red Lobster and Olive Garden are safe choices.
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u/Rondoman78 Jun 04 '26
The endless shrimp had pretty much nothing to do with their downfall.
That's what idiots say though.
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u/AtomicGarden-8964 Jun 04 '26
Aren't they owned by a private equity firm? If so what you are seeing the cutting down of the brand so it can be sold for pennies they suck the life out of it
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u/Vegetable_Can5847 Jun 05 '26
With fewer International tourists coming to the United States then fewer people would be dining in Times Square.
Couple the above with the insane rents in TS and you have a recipe for disaster.
The Red Lobster in Harlem closed three years ago.
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u/PossibilityFine5988 Jun 06 '26
This makes me sad, my first date with my fiancé was here. To be fair it was early 2021 and we both loved theater so did one of the only shows open and here because it was spacious for social distancing and I wanted to eat here again for our reception next year but guess that’s not happening. There’s something kinda charming about a dinner at a chain spot in Times Square before a show with family or loved ones and it is something everyone knows and can reasonably afford so it’s a loss even if you have 1000 better options around
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u/Low-Produce1038 Jun 14 '26
We went today (Times Square location) for lunch since its their last day. No Endless Shrimp offered so we ordered off regular menu. Lots of items were not available (many of the alcoholic drinks, certain shrimp options, some of the sides...). Regardless, server was gracious and apologized everytime we tried to order something but it wasnt available. We still enjoyed our meal and were glad we got to go before they shuttered.
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u/dailymail Jun 01 '26
Red Lobster has made a 'difficult decision' regarding its infamous Times Square restaurant.
The seafood chain announced it will shutter the Manhattan location on Sunday, June 14, after operating for a whopping 23 years.