A landmark Red Lobster restaurant, known as the chain’s oldest continuously operating location, will close after more than 50 years. On May 24, the Red Lobster on North Monroe Street in Tallahassee, Florida, will shut its doors for good.
Red Lobster has expressed that this restaurant holds significant historical value for the brand and has been a vital part of the Tallahassee community for decades. The decision to close it is part of the company’s regular process of evaluating restaurant performance and lease terms, which sometimes leads to closure or relocation.
The restaurant’s acting general manager shared with Fox News that the closure is unfortunate, highlighting the excellent crew they employ.
Red Lobster extends gratitude to guests and team members who have supported this location over its history. The closure is amidst the backdrop of Red Lobster’s recent financial troubles, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024 and closing many locations nationwide. Their Endless Shrimp promotion, now a permanent offer, is often pointed to as a reason for financial difficulties.
Further compounding the issues, Red Lobster struggled with consequences from a 2014 decision to sell off ownership of its real estate, resulting in burdensome lease payments.
To attract new customers post-bankruptcy, Red Lobster has added new menu items, introducing dishes like lobster pappardelle pasta, bacon-wrapped sea scallops, lobster bisque, and lemon basil mahi.
RL Investor Holdings LLC acquired Red Lobster in 2024 after its bankruptcy. Damola Adamolekun, the new CEO and former CEO of P.F. Chang’s, stated to the Wall Street Journal that the brand was in poor condition when acquired but is now streamlining operations.
Despite bringing back the Endless Shrimp to select locations, Adamolekun clarified the promotion would be temporary.