Additional Coverage:
- Red Lobster brings back the ‘endless shrimp’ deal that cost them millions (businessinsider.com)
Red Lobster Brings Back Its Famous Endless Shrimp-With Some New Limits
After previously pulling its wildly popular $20 all-you-can-eat shrimp deal due to heavy losses, Red Lobster is giving the promotion another shot-but with a few important changes.
The seafood chain reportedly lost $11 million in just three months when it first ran the endless shrimp special. Now, under CEO Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster is reintroducing an endless shrimp offer priced at $24.99 for dine-in customers, available for a limited time and only at participating locations.
“When our fans talk, we listen,” Adamolekun said in a recent statement, acknowledging the ongoing demand for the shrimp feast.
Adamolekun, who took the helm in 2024, has been focused on turning around the company, which faced bankruptcy with $1 billion in debt. He’s worked to boost sales by 10% while also tightening costs. Earlier efforts included a “SpendLESS Shrimp” option-a plate featuring shrimp prepared three ways for around $15.99-but fans continued to clamor for the unlimited shrimp experience.
While the CEO once dismissed the idea of bringing back endless shrimp due to the math not adding up, he left the door open for a comeback-just not in the costly manner of before.
Red Lobster devotees have already expressed excitement, with some eager to bring family members in for the shrimp extravaganza. However, current and former employees have mixed feelings. One former server, who spent seven years at Red Lobster, humorously warned that endless shrimp turns customers “into demons” and creates chaos for staff, urging people to “hug a Red Lobster employee today.”
With this carefully controlled return, Red Lobster hopes to satisfy shrimp lovers while avoiding the financial pitfalls of the past. Only time will tell if this revamped promotion can be a win-win for both diners and the restaurant.
Read More About This Story:
- Red Lobster brings back the ‘endless shrimp’ deal that cost them millions (businessinsider.com)