Latest news with #RedLobster
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Lobster's 36-year-old CEO isn't repeating the chain's $11 million endless shrimp disaster. But he is reading all of your social media comments
Red Lobster, the iconic seafood chain, is charting a new course under the leadership of CEO Damola Adamolekun after making its way out of bankruptcy. In an interview with Good Morning America on Thursday, the 36-year-old chief executive addressed two questions lingering on the minds of loyal guests and industry watchers alike: Will the beloved Endless Shrimp deal return, and how will looming U.S. tariffs on imported seafood impact diners? His answers signal a reset for the troubled restaurant brand, focused on financial stability, customer experience, and menu innovation. Endless shrimp promotion: officially retired For years, the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion was a staple at Red Lobster, drawing crowds with the promise of limitless seafood at a set price. But as the company navigated severe financial headwinds, it became clear the beloved deal was more curse than blessing. Adamolekun stated unequivocally, 'We don't have any plans to bring it back,' all but closing the door on an offer that, while popular, ultimately helped sink Red Lobster's bottom line. The all-you-can-eat shrimp program, initially launched as a limited-time offer, was made a permanent fixture in recent years. Far from boosting profits, the promotion instead triggered multimillion-dollar losses due to customers out-eating the chain's margins. Bankruptcy filings revealed the deal alone was responsible for a loss of $11 million, accelerating Red Lobster's financial unraveling in 2023 and 2024. 'We listen intently to customer comments and try to react really quickly to deliver people what they want,' Adamolekun explained. 'But you also have to make sure you're running a profitable business.' Red Lobster has shifted its strategy to focus on value in more sustainable forms: introducing appetizer deals, weekday happy hours, and a three-course 'shrimp sensation' menu offered at select locations. While Adamolekun hasn't completely ruled out creative promotions in the distant future, diners hoping for the Endless Shrimp's return shouldn't hold their breath. Red Lobster's new menu items Adamolekun has prioritized innovation and agility, though, including extensive outreach to customers via social media, and a notable responsiveness from the chain to their feedback. Since emerging from bankruptcy, the company has overhauled its menu—streamlining offerings by 20% while adding new items like Lobster Pappardelle Pasta, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, and revitalizing favorites including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp. Within days of receiving requests for bolder flavors, Red Lobster added new spicy, Old Bay Parmesan, and Cajun sausage options to the menu. 'We want to be exciting, relevant and compelling for our guests,' Adamolekun said. Red Lobster addresses new tariffs This summer's scheduled U.S. tariffs on imported seafood have sparked concern that seafood lovers could soon see restaurant bills soar. Adamolekun was quick to calm those fears in his GMA interview, stressing that almost 90% of Red Lobster's key seafood—lobster and crab—comes from North America and Canada. These sources are largely exempt from new tariffs under agreements like USMCA. While some shrimp and other products are still imported and thus subject to tariffs, Adamolekun underscored, 'We do import products as well — so on those products we'll pay a tariff like everybody else. That impacts our business, and our intention is not to pass that through. We're not intending to do any more price increases for the rest of the year, regardless of what happens with tariffs'. Adamolekun's leadership approach Red Lobster's turnaround has not gone unnoticed, with improved customer feedback and returning foot traffic since the restructuring. The company's multiyear plan includes further renovations of its restaurants to create a more vibrant, inviting atmosphere—an appeal especially aimed at younger diners looking for experience as much as a meal. After turbulent years, Adamolekun's approach reflects both hard business lessons and a renewed commitment to guest satisfaction. The days of bottomless shrimp may be over, but under new leadership, the seafood chain is betting that menu innovation, value deals, and responsive service can once again make Red Lobster a place to celebrate. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Lobster's 36-year-old CEO isn't repeating the chain's $11 million endless shrimp disaster. But he is reading all of your social media comments
Red Lobster, the iconic seafood chain, is charting a new course under the leadership of CEO Damola Adamolekun after making its way out of bankruptcy. In an interview with Good Morning America on Thursday, the 36-year-old chief executive addressed two questions lingering on the minds of loyal guests and industry watchers alike: Will the beloved Endless Shrimp deal return, and how will looming U.S. tariffs on imported seafood impact diners? His answers signal a reset for the troubled restaurant brand, focused on financial stability, customer experience, and menu innovation. Endless shrimp promotion: officially retired For years, the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion was a staple at Red Lobster, drawing crowds with the promise of limitless seafood at a set price. But as the company navigated severe financial headwinds, it became clear the beloved deal was more curse than blessing. Adamolekun stated unequivocally, 'We don't have any plans to bring it back,' all but closing the door on an offer that, while popular, ultimately helped sink Red Lobster's bottom line. The all-you-can-eat shrimp program, initially launched as a limited-time offer, was made a permanent fixture in recent years. Far from boosting profits, the promotion instead triggered multimillion-dollar losses due to customers out-eating the chain's margins. Bankruptcy filings revealed the deal alone was responsible for a loss of $11 million, accelerating Red Lobster's financial unraveling in 2023 and 2024. 'We listen intently to customer comments and try to react really quickly to deliver people what they want,' Adamolekun explained. 'But you also have to make sure you're running a profitable business.' Red Lobster has shifted its strategy to focus on value in more sustainable forms: introducing appetizer deals, weekday happy hours, and a three-course 'shrimp sensation' menu offered at select locations. While Adamolekun hasn't completely ruled out creative promotions in the distant future, diners hoping for the Endless Shrimp's return shouldn't hold their breath. Red Lobster's new menu items Adamolekun has prioritized innovation and agility, though, including extensive outreach to customers via social media, and a notable responsiveness from the chain to their feedback. Since emerging from bankruptcy, the company has overhauled its menu—streamlining offerings by 20% while adding new items like Lobster Pappardelle Pasta, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, and revitalizing favorites including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp. Within days of receiving requests for bolder flavors, Red Lobster added new spicy, Old Bay Parmesan, and Cajun sausage options to the menu. 'We want to be exciting, relevant and compelling for our guests,' Adamolekun said. Red Lobster addresses new tariffs This summer's scheduled U.S. tariffs on imported seafood have sparked concern that seafood lovers could soon see restaurant bills soar. Adamolekun was quick to calm those fears in his GMA interview, stressing that almost 90% of Red Lobster's key seafood—lobster and crab—comes from North America and Canada. These sources are largely exempt from new tariffs under agreements like USMCA. While some shrimp and other products are still imported and thus subject to tariffs, Adamolekun underscored, 'We do import products as well — so on those products we'll pay a tariff like everybody else. That impacts our business, and our intention is not to pass that through. We're not intending to do any more price increases for the rest of the year, regardless of what happens with tariffs'. Adamolekun's leadership approach Red Lobster's turnaround has not gone unnoticed, with improved customer feedback and returning foot traffic since the restructuring. The company's multiyear plan includes further renovations of its restaurants to create a more vibrant, inviting atmosphere—an appeal especially aimed at younger diners looking for experience as much as a meal. After turbulent years, Adamolekun's approach reflects both hard business lessons and a renewed commitment to guest satisfaction. The days of bottomless shrimp may be over, but under new leadership, the seafood chain is betting that menu innovation, value deals, and responsive service can once again make Red Lobster a place to celebrate. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
Review — Red Lobster's Viral New Seafood Boils
Stepping into the Times Square Red Lobster, a chill went down my spine. It could have been the ice-cold AC hitting me, overheated and drenched from a heavy summer rain. It could have been the lobsters in the small aquarium, begging for rescue as we passed them, ascending the stairs to the dining room. Or it could have been the memories of Red Lobster visits of yore, stuck between my dad and my brother, in front of me a large portion of shrimp linguine, my eyes far too big for my stomach. Still, I was acutely aware of the fact that this was my first time back at Red Lobster in over a decade. I had to put these thoughts behind me and lock in. Besides the Cheddar Bay Biscuits (more thoughts on these later), I had one goal in mind: Red Lobster's new seafood boil. In May of 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with their former CEO, Jonathan Tibus, listing many woes, including "a difficult macroeconomic environment, a bloated and underperforming restaurant footprint, failed or ill-advised strategic initiatives, and increased competition within the restaurant industry.' Now, only a year later, the restaurant chain says they have exited bankruptcy protection, having been approved for a new reorganization plan. A recent TikTok posted from the official Red Lobster account announcing the new seafood boils has over two million views, with users commenting with outrageous levels of support. 'CEO popped off,' writes one user. 'He figured us ladies out to a T… seafood boils, margs, and cheddar bay biscuits.' Hard to argue with that. With that spirit in mind, my friend and I slid into a long row of booths and assessed the menu. Before we could even crack open the large plastic tomes, a warm plate of Cheddar Bay Biscuits hit the table. Besides Outback's Bloomin' Onion, the Cheddar Bay Biscuits sit at the top of the chain-restaurant food chain like a Great White Shark. The warm, buttery pockets of salt and garlic have stood the test of time, viral even before the age of the internet. I'm happy to report that they're still very good, yielding a light and buttery crumb. Finishing off a second biscuit, I knew these would be hard to beat. Hey, you! Wanna cook thousands of recipes on your phone with helpful videos and step-by-step mode? Download the free Tasty app right now. Red Lobster's new seafood boil has a couple of different options for you to choose from: There are also a few different flavor options, like Cajun Butter, Old Bay and Parmesan, and our pick, Roasted Garlic Butter, with the option to choose your spice level, a change as of early July, which was announced in a TikTok featuring the company's new CEO, Damola Adamolekum. The video has been viewed by over five million users. Like a hot air balloon, the seafood boil arrived in a plastic bag filled with steam. Our server untied the bag and set us up with claw crackers, plastic gloves, Red Lobster-branded bibs, and plenty of wet wipes — an omen of messier things to come. The sodium tidal wave of salty garlic butter hit me harder than I expected. It did exactly what it was supposed to do, disguising the mediocre lobster and shrimp with a flavor bomb that you couldn't convincingly argue was bad. When I eat seafood, I relish in the flavor of the fish or crustacean that I'm enjoying. In other words, I'm not eating shrimp cocktail for the cocktail sauce. The same can be said here. With so much going on in the dish itself, I felt it fair to rank each item individually: 6. The Corn: Soggy and dull, the quarter ear of corn had that classic canned corn taste that I avoided as a child. I still avoid it today. 5. The Crab Legs: Didn't yield a lot of meat and was very overshadowed by the oppressive garlic butter. (The proof...) 4. The Potatoes: Honestly, kind of perfectly cooked? But a potato is a potato. Hard to dislike them, especially with all that butter. 3. The Lobster Tail: I got a bit more lobster flavor here than I did from the crab legs, but still, it was hard to notice it over all that garlic butter noise. 2. The Shrimp: A step ahead of the lobster tail, only because of how snappy the shrimps were. Great texture and bite. 1. The Smoked Sausage: Okay, actually something pretty delicious happening here! The slices of sausage were just as smoky as promised, offering a little bit of depth in a dish that felt dominated by the seafood boil flavor we chose. Descending the stairs back down to the heart of Times Square, a to-go bag of Cheddar Bay Biscuits in my tote and my hands ripe with the scent of lemon wet wipes, I gave a subtle nod to the lobsters in the tank towards the exit. I thought, with a chuckle, that there is no more iconic end for them as a species than in a dish at the Times Square Red Lobster. I just wish, for their sake, it was an end that was a little bit more delicious. Would you try Red Lobster's seafood boil? Let us know in the comments. To discover and save thousands of easy recipes you can cook in the comfort of your own home, download the free Tasty app for iOS and Android to browse our entire library — no subscription required.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Could South Park's Trump Attack Cost Paramount? Legal Experts Weigh In
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The animated sitcom South Park made a return to screens this week with a wild satirical portrayal of President Donald Trump, prompting questions about potential legal blowback on the makers. Following a near two-and-a-half-year hiatus, the premiere episode shows a naked Trump trying to seduce Satan, and came a day after the show's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone had reached a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount. South Park has long been known for its political satire, but will this latest episode prompt a legal response from the president, along with a punishing price tag? The views of experts Newsweek spoke to might surprise you. A Comedy Central Animation Wednesdays billboard featuring South Park is seen during the day above Red Lobster in Times Square July 16, 2024 in New York City. A Comedy Central Animation Wednesdays billboard featuring South Park is seen during the day above Red Lobster in Times Square July 16, 2024 in New York City. CraigWhat happened in the South Park Season 27 Premiere? It was already clear that South Park would be continuing its tradition of tackling topical news while turning up the heat on the unhinged and the absurd. The trailer for this season, released in April, showed Canada going to war with the U.S, France taking back the Statue of Liberty and a reference to Elon Musk through the character of Randy Marsh, who said, "I'm just going to do some ketamine and f*** around with the government a little." During the Season 27 premiere, titled Sermon on the 'Mount,' Trump is depicted in bed with Satan, complaining about the size of his penis, and arguing with the Canadian Prime Minister. The episode also referenced the "Epstein list," the alleged list of clients involved in convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice and FBI released a memo saying they had found "no incriminating 'client list'" after an "exhaustive review" of government documents related to the case. This put the president's ties to Epstein under fresh scrutiny, and the Trump administration is under pressure from the president's own supporters to release evidence about Epstein. This week, The Wall Street Journal reported Trump had been told by Attorney General Pam Bondi in May that his name appeared "multiple times" in the so-called Epstein files. White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed this allegation as "another fake news story." Could This Have Legal Implications? The South Park premiere has caused a stir. But could it have legal implications? "It's improbable," David S. Korzenik, a media lawyer who has written about and taught media law for decades, told Newsweek during a phone interview. "There's no real possibility of any credible legal peril." "If there were to be a hypothetical lawsuit against South Park, that would be more just, for show," Korzenik said. He said: "Any lawsuit against South Park for this would be ridiculous." Korzenik added that "No one is going to look at that and rely on that as being a statement of a fact." "They're going to understand it to be an insult, joking, attacking, expressing the fears that people have about what could be true or might not be true. And this parody is a highly protected design of American comment." Dave Heller, Deputy Director Media Law Resource Center told Newsweek via email: "U.S. law is extremely protective of satire and parody, including vicious attacks on public figures." Heller referenced the 1988 case of Hustler Magazine, Inc. V Falwell, the landmark decision by the Supreme Court, whereby the Court held that parodies of public figures are protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. "Court recognized that mockery of political figures, as a weapon of attack, scorn, and ridicule, is part of American culture as far back as George Washington," Heller said, adding "South Park trades in exactly this tradition. And while it might not be to everyone's taste, it certainly should be understood and protected as such." Newsweek also spoke with Marjorie Heins, a First Amendment lawyer, founder of the Free Expression Policy Project and author of multiple books about free speech and censorship. "The South Park show is obviously satire, not an assertion of fact, so under the law as it now stands, the satire is fully protected by the First Amendment," she said. Heins, however, noted that "At some future point, the Supreme Court might change the law to allow the suppression of politically motivated satires such as this." Newsweek also spoke to Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). "The First Amendment fully protects this kind of satire, particularly when it is directed at a public official," he said. Corn-Revere added that "Trump would have no plausible claim against the creators of South Park or Paramount." How Has The White House Reacted? White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Rolling Stone on Thursday morning, "The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end." "For years they have come after South Park for what they labeled as 'offense' [sic] content, but suddenly they are praising the show," Rogers said. "Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows." "This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history—and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak," Rogers said. Trump has not personally weighed in on the South Park episode. What To Know About The Paramount Streaming Deal The South Park creators' $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount came after a monthlong bidding war, per the Los Angeles Times. In 2021, Parker and Trey signed a reported $900m deal to extend South Park to Season 30, which should take the show up to 2027. The 26th season featured six episodes, so this season may take a similar format. Paramount is the parent company of Comedy Central, where South Park airs, as well as CBS. CBS has recently faced significant criticism over its decision to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Paramount has said that the late-night talk show was canceled for financial reasons. On Thursday, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the $8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance media. The deal follows Paramount's settlement of a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over what he has claimed were deceptive editing practices related to a 60 Minutes interview with then-Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris which aired in October, during the 2024 election. South Park's season 27 premiere referenced the settlement of the lawsuit and the Late Show cancellation. The fact that Colbert is a known critic of Trump has sparked new concerns about the administration and its influence over the media.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Red Lobster launches comeback menu items in bid to win back fans after bankruptcy
Red Lobster is finally adding a beloved seafood dish to its menu for the first time, months after emerging from bankruptcy. Starting Monday, the fast-casual restaurant chain will bring back its Crabfest celebration, along with various new crab-themed dishes, including seafood boils. Crabfest menu items are expected to be available at Red Lobster locations until September 14. A seafood boil, a traditional Southern U.S. dish, features a mix of seafood, such as crab legs, and vegetables, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce and typically served in a large plastic bag to be opened out onto a table, usually lined with paper or foil for easy cleanup, allowing everyone to dig in family-style. Customers can choose between two seafood boils: the Mariner's Boil, featuring a Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes, or the Sailor's Boil, which includes shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes. Each boil is served with your choice of Roasted Garlic Butter, Cajun Butter, or Old Bay seasoning. Other new Crabfest menu items include Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms, Crab-Topped Asparagus, Crab-Topped Potato, or Steak or Salmon Oscar, in addition to new cocktails: Purple Haze by Dre & Snoop, Passion Star Spritz, and the Starry Eyed Surprise. 'Red Lobster's Crabfest is the ultimate summer dining experience, featuring exciting and flavorful dishes like our new Seafood Boils,' Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer of Red Lobster, said in a press release. 'Whether you're a longtime Red Lobster lover or participating in Crabfest for the first time, we've got something to bring everyone joy.' The new menu items come months after Red Lobster clawed itself out of bankruptcy in September 2024 after RL Investor Holdings acquired the fast-casual chain and ushered in a younger generation to revamp it, starting with tapping a 35-year-old CEO, Damola Adamolekun, to take the helm. The company was previously forced to close more than 100 of its nearly 650 restaurants amid financial struggles. The company plunged into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024 after its endless shrimp special got out of hand. Originally a $20 once-a-week promotional deal, the company made endless shrimp a permanent menu item, leading patrons to eat more shrimp than the restaurant could afford, staying at their tables for hours and lengthening wait times. The Florida-headquartered chain lost $11 million in the process, filed for bankruptcy, and closed at least 129 locations. 'There were certainly big mistakes made over the last few years,' Red Lobster's new CEO said in an interview with CNN in October 2024, adding the shrimp promotion was 'a very expensive product to give away endlessly.' Solve the daily Crossword
