Business & Tech

Red Lobster, Which Closed 18 FL Stores, Files For Bankruptcy

Red Lobster's "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" promotion is cited as a reason for the chain's bankruptcy filing. These FL sites are now closed.

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Red Lobster abruptly closed more than 50 restaurants last week, including 18 in Florida.
Red Lobster abruptly closed more than 50 restaurants last week, including 18 in Florida. (Scott Anderson/Patch)

FLORIDA — Red Lobster, which abruptly closed more than 50 restaurants last week, including 18 in Florida, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to recoup millions of dollars in losses stemming from its endless shrimp promotion.

The restaurants in Florida that closed include:

  • Altamonte Springs: 340 West SR 436
  • Daytona Beach Shores: 3162 S Atlantic Ave.
  • Gainesville: 6910 W. Newberry Road
  • Jensen Beach: 3544 NW Federal Hwy.
  • Leesburg: 10010 US Highway 441
  • Hialeah: 1750 W 49th St.
  • Baymeadows - Jacksonville: 8720 Baymeadows Road
  • Commerce Center - Jacksonville: 416 Commerce Center Drive
  • Jacksonville: 13090 City Station Drive
  • Kissimmee: 4010 West Vine Street
  • Largo: 10500 E Ulmerton Road
  • E. Hwy 50 - Orlando: 3552 E. Colonial Drive
  • Sand Lake Rd - Orlando: 8003 Golden Sky Lane
  • W SR 50 - Orlando: 7373 W Colonial Drive
  • Sanford: 20 Towne Center Circle
  • Spring Hill: 2328 Commercial Way
  • E. Busch Blvd. - Tampa: 2625 East Busch Blvd.
  • Palms - Tampa: 17021 Palm Pointe Drive

These Florida restaurant locations are up for auction, with all equipment being sold off, according to the firm TagExBrands.

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  • Altamonte Springs
  • Gainesville
  • Hialeah
  • Largo
  • Orlando

Red Lobster’s bankruptcy was expected. Its “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion last year was intended as a limited-time offer but brought in enough new customers that the chain added it to its permanent menu in June. Customers gobbled it up, and the chain reported fourth-quarter 2023 losses of $12.5 million, the outlet reported.

Red Lobster said the remaining restaurants will remain open and continue operating as usual during the bankruptcy process.

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“This restructuring is the best path forward for Red Lobster. It allows us to address several financial and operational challenges and emerge stronger and re-focused on our growth,” CEO Jonathan Tibus said in a news release. “The support we've received from our lenders and vendors will help ensure that we can complete the sale process quickly and efficiently while remaining focused on our employees and guests.”

Red Lobster locations in Florida which appear to still be open, include:

Related: 18 FL Red Lobster Restaurants Close With No Notice: See List

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