RED Lobster teased the return of a beloved offering earlier this month, and it’s officially arrived.
The restaurant chain was cryptic about the details, but some longtime fans felt they knew what was happening.
Red Lobster has dropped a new promotion for the summer (stock image)[/caption]
There are several new meal offerings to choose from[/caption]
“The rumors might be true… but you’ll just have to wait and sea,” Red Lobster wrote in a Facebook post on June 20.
Included was a red image and the date “6.23,” or June 23.
Several diners hoped that the “shell-shocking” reveal would involve Endless Shrimp, which notably contributed to Red Lobster’s financial downfall before it went bankrupt in May of last year.
“Endless shrimp or we riot,” a longtime customer commented.
“All you can eat shrimp!” another exclaimed.
“If it’s not endless shrimp I don’t want it,” a third added.
CRAB IT UP
Others were closer with their decoding of the tease, especially considering the guesses that involved crab, as Red Lobster confirmed in a news release on Monday that Crabfest was back.
Crabfest is Red Lobster’s seasonal promotion that features several new crab-based dishes on the menu for a limited time, often with customizable flavor options and competitive price points.
For this summer, Red Lobster said it would be bringing Seafood Boils to customers.
These include the Mariner’s Boil and the Sailor’s Boil, according to the release.
The Sailor’s Boil has shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes.
With the Mariner’s Boil, its Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes.
Customers who get either Seafood Boil can also choose from three added flavor finishes, including Cajun Butter, OLD BAY seasoning, or Roasted Garlic Butter.
Red Lobster’s New Menu
Red Lobster rolled out a new mouthwatering menu last November, which featured the return of hush puppies, the removal of the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion, and a “Create Your Own Ultimate Feast” deal.
The new menu also included seven new items:
- Lobster Pappardelle Pasta
- Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
- Lobster Bisque
- Lemon Basil Mahi
- Simply Prepared Mahi
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
- Roasted Asparagus
DISH DELIGHT
Of course, there’s also five brand new dishes for Crabfest 2025.
They include the Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms, Crab-Topped Asparagus, Crab-Topped Potato, Steak Oscar, and Salmon Oscar.
For drinks to complement the meals, there’s the Festival Summer of Sips Lineup.
For what Red Lobster dubbed the “Headliner,” there’s Purple Haze by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
Included in the mixture is the pair’s STILL G.I.N. with desert pear, handcrafted lemonade and a sparkling gold shimmer.
For the “Opening Act,” it’s Passion Star Spritz, made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and passionfruit, Wycliff Sparkling Wine, and a dried starfruit garnish.
And lastly, the “Encore” is the Starry Eyed Surprise with Patron Silver Tequila, guava and blue curacao, and Starry Lemon-Lime with sugar sprinkles around the rim.
Crabfest is only available at Red Lobster until September 14, so interested consumers must act fast.
CALL IT A COMEBACK
Red Lobster has been undergoing several changes since CEO Damola Adamolekun took over in August 2024.
In a press release around the same time, Adamolekun noted that “a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding” was provided to help the brand reconnect to its roots and offer exciting new deals.
By November, Red Lobster launched a new menu, which included several new items and the return of some fan-favorite selections, like its hush puppies and popcorn shrimp.
The CEO also noted a focus on items “under $20 on the menu.”
While Endless Shrimp likely won’t be coming back, the Shrimp Sensation comes with a shrimp-based appetizer and entree, along with a soup or salad and a side for $19.99.
A new happy hour menu was also introduced from 3 to 6 pm on weekdays with $5 drink specials and $2 off some appetizers.
Other restaurants are also shaking things up this summer.
A popular pizza chain also said it’s getting “aggressive on price” as it implements a three-point plan to win over diners.
Fast-casual restaurants like Five Guys are also taking on brands like Wendy’s with a new dessert offering.
Timeline leading to Red Lobster’s financial woes
Red Lobster has been a staple in the United States ever since its launch in 1968. But the business has recently been hit with financial troubles and it is now reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy.
1968: Bill Darden opened the first Red Lobster as a family-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida.
1970: Red Lobster caught the attention of General Mills and became backed by their resources. Stores start to rapidly open across the nation
1974: Popcorn shrimp debuts
1983: Red Lobster’s first Canadian restaurant opens
1984: Chain hosts its first-ever Lobster Fest
1992: Famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits are unveiled for the first time
1995: General Mills creates a spin-off of its restaurant division, known as Darden Restaurants, Inc.
2003: The yearly tradition of Endless Shrimp starts
2006: “Today’s Fresh Fish” menu makes its debut, bringing fresh, regional seafood to Red Lobsters everywhere
2010: Red Lobsters everywhere see an interior makeover inspired by the historic fishing village of Bar Harbor, Maine.
2014: Darden Restaurants, Inc. sells Red Lobster to Golden Golden Gate Capital for $1.2 billion.
2016: Thai Union Group pays $575 million for a 25% stake in the chain.
2020: Thai Union Group purchases a 49% majority stake in the chain from Golden Golden Gate Capital for an undisclosed amount of money and Red Lobster reports record-breaking profits, pulling in $6.5 billion for the year.
2023: Endless Shrimp becomes a permanent part of the menu
2024: Red Lobster announces a $22 million loss for 2023, majority shareholder Thai Union Group announces it is looking to sell its shares. Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in May.
