After Red Lobster Closure, Replacement Restaurant Proposed In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After Red Lobster closed its doors in Alexandria, a new restaurant is seeking to open in the vacant space.

Yami Buffet submitted a special use permit application for a change of ownership and building expansion at 555 S. Van Dorn St., the former Red Lobster space. The application describes the restaurant as a buffet with Asian and Japanese cuisine.

The restaurant is proposing additions totaling 2,586 square feet on the north and south ends of the building. The proposal calls for increasing seat capacity from 292 to 360 with the building expansion. The restaurant intends to completely renovate and upgrade the interior, including new building systems, equipment, fixtures and furniture. There are 128 surface parking lot spaces planned. Proposed hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Red Lobster closed its Alexandria location at 555 S. Van Dorn St. in August amid bankruptcy filings. The chain has since exited bankruptcy after being acquired by a new investment group.