Red Lobster, which exited Chapter 11 and began a turnaround after appointing CEO Damola Adamolekun, will shut its flagship Times Square location on June 14. The closure follows other past shutdowns, including its oldest Tallahassee site after 56 years, as the
On June 14, Red Lobster is ending a 23-year run in Times Square—one of the most relentless storefronts in the world—when its flagship location closes its doors.
The chain’s timing lands sharply against the backdrop of a broader effort to stabilize the business. Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and closed dozens of restaurants that year. Since then, it has appointed a new CEO, updated its menu, collaborated with celebrities, and exited Chapter 11 protection.
Damola Adamolekun. named as CEO. told The Wall Street Journal in February that Red Lobster’s sales were up 10% year over year. Yet this week the company announced the Times Square shutdown. with the chain pointing to “extensive and prolonged construction” at the sprawling location that “affected foot traffic and sales.”.
A spokesperson for Red Lobster said the company “remains focused on strengthening the business. investing in the guest experience. and building momentum across the system.” The chain also said: “Times Square has been an important chapter in Red Lobster’s history. and we are grateful to the team members and guests who have made this restaurant special over the years.”.
The closures aren’t confined to one neighborhood. In May, Red Lobster closed its oldest continuously operating location in Tallahassee, Florida, after 56 years. The company said that decision followed “typical performance and lease reviews.” Other shutdowns mentioned in the chain’s recent footprint include restaurants in Chambersburg. Pennsylvania. and Overland Park. Kansas.
Those decisions come as Red Lobster’s scale has shifted. The chain operates around 550 restaurants, down from around 700 a few years ago, according to Fortune.
Adamolekun told The Wall Street Journal that Red Lobster is still looking closely at leases, with a view to close or update underperforming locations. He also said the chain is open to opening more locations in some underrepresented regions.
Founded in 1968, Red Lobster grew into one of the largest casual dining seafood chains in the United States. Its menu is centered on seafood dishes—shrimp, lobster, and crab—alongside its signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits, which have become a recognizable staple of the brand.
Red Lobster Times Square closure Damola Adamolekun bankruptcy 2024 Chapter 11 exit restaurant closures casual dining seafood chain Cheddar Bay Biscuits lease reviews
Times Square again?? Doesn’t surprise me. That place is always packed though.
So is it closing because of the construction like they said or because the CEO hype didn’t work lol. Sales up 10% but still shutting it down??
My cousin said they got robbed in there last year so I’m not shocked it’s done. But also, why close the whole Times Square spot just for construction… could they not just move tables inside or something? I dunno.
This is wild, I thought Red Lobster was basically immortal. 23-year run and now it’s over June 14, and they’re blaming foot traffic… sounds like everywhere else too. Also the CEO name Damola Adamolekun sounds like a fake headline, like how is that even real. Rip to the biscuits though.