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USA Today
28-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Red Lobster CEO teases fan favorites returning, Happy Hour deals, more amid changes
Red Lobster CEO teases fan favorites returning, Happy Hour deals, more amid changes Red Lobster is making changes to its menu lineup, including bringing back hush puppies and offering some items for under $20. Chief Executive Officer Damola Adamolekun announced the changes in a video shared to social media on May 23. 'We're bringing back some fan favorites,' he said. 'Yup, they're back, and there's plenty under $20 on the menu.' The company previously said in September that it would bring back its popcorn shrimp. Red Lobster customers will also be able to grab Happy Hour $5 drinks and appetizer deals, Adamolekun said on May 23. 'One thing that won't be changing: these cheddar bay biscuits,' he said. 'We got that right the first time.' USA TODAY has reached out to Red Lobster for more information on the latest additions and returning menu items. Red Lobster looking to bounce back after bankruptcy, closures The announcement comes after a series of changes within the company. Red Lobster, which has over 540 locations across the U.S. and in Canada, applied for bankruptcy in September. The company was bought out by RL Investor Holdings LLC. In September, Adamolekun was announced as the new Red Lobster CEO. 'With our new backers, we have a comprehensive and long-term investment plan – including a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding – that will help to reinvigorate the iconic brand while keeping the best of its history,' Adamolekun said in a press release on Sept. 5. More retail news: Watch out for these scams targeting Joann closing sales, experts warn Other changes announced last year Back in September, Red Lobster shared plans for seven new menu items, including: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus Red Lobster also said in September that it was launching a Create Your Own Ultimate Feast deal where customers can mix and match two premium items like Maine Lobster Tail or Snow Crab Legs with other items such as Walt's Favorite Shrimp and Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
USA Today
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Red Lobster brings back Lobsterfest: What to know about menu specials, how long it runs
Red Lobster brings back Lobsterfest: What to know about menu specials, how long it runs Red Lobster customers will once again be able to eat lobster to their heart's content, with the return of Lobsterfest, known this year as "The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time," or GLOAT for short. The seasonal meal deal returned to participating Red Lobster locations nationwide on Tuesday, months after the seafood chain exited financial bankruptcy. "Lobsterfest is the ultimate celebration for lobster lovers, and this year, we're taking it to the next level with more variety, more flavor, and more ways than ever for guests to satisfy their crustacean cravings," Nichole Robillard, Red Lobster marketing executive said in a statement. Red Lobster is "owning its lob-star status" for this year's Lobsterfest by offering customers 10 dishes and a "Create Your Own" option tied to "GLOAT," a news release read. Red Lobster also tapped Blake Griffin, a former professional basketball player, to help promote the return of Lobsterfest with a combination plate compromised of Griffin's favorite menu items. Lobster (Blake Griffin's Way) means a plate featuring Rock Lobster Tail, Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster and Lobster Mac & Cheese, which customers can order for a limited time. Here's what to know about Lobsterfest, including this year's new and returning menu offerings. When is Lobsterfest? Lobsterfest began Feb. 11 and continues through Sunday, April 20. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Lobsterfest 2025 menu specials, offerings This year's Lobsterfest lineup features 10 dishes and a new "Create Your Own" option, which allows customers to build their "perfect Lobsterfest feast" by selecting up to three lobster entrées. New Lobster dishes tied to the seasonal meal deal include Lobster & Shrimp Linguini, Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and a Lobster Roll. Hush puppies, popcorn shrimp and an endless supply of Cheddar Bay Biscuits are some of the returning fan-favorites. "To top it off, guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails, making every bite and sip an unforgettable experience," Red Lobster said. Red Lobster exits bankruptcy After a bout of financial difficulties, a federal judge approved the seafood chain's plan to exit from an "endless shrimp" fiasco, massive debt, dozens of location closures and an overall decline in guests. Part of Red Lobster's plan to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy included obtaining a new financial backer, which acquired the restaurant at the end of the month. The struggling restaurant chain was acquired by RL Investor Holdings LLC, a newly formed entity organized and controlled by Fortress Investment Group LLC. "It's definitely an area where we have a lot of experience," Fortress spokesperson Gordon Runté previously told USA TODAY. "Red Lobster is a big undertaking, it is 500-plus locations, but we're excited about the prospects for the restaurant." Damola Adamolekun, who took over as Red Lobster's CEO, was ecstatic about the acquisition, calling it a "great day" for Red Lobster. "With our new backers, we have a comprehensive and long-term investment plan – including a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding – that will help to reinvigorate the iconic brand while keeping the best of its history," Adamolekun said then. "Red Lobster has a tremendous future, and I cannot wait to get started on our plan with the company's more than 30,000 team members across the USA and Canada." Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY
