McDonald’s, Red Lobster, and Long John Silver’s Lead Off the 2025 Lenten Seafood Promotions

In anticipation of the fast-approaching 2025 Lenten season, several U.S. restaurants—including McDonald’s, Red Lobster, and Long John Silver's, to name a few—are showcasing new or existing seafood products on their menus.

While some menu items are consistent landmarks, others are limited-time only (LTO) offerings available now and for the duration of Lent, with most promotions running until the end of April. This year, the Lenten season will run from March 5 through April 17.  

Several restaurants are collaborating with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute...

Former NBA Star Blake Griffin Dunks Into Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest 2025

Red Lobster’s Lobsterfest has returned, and the chain called the 2025 edition the GLOAT: The Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time.

The brand teamed up with former National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Blake Griffin, including a new way to enjoy lobster via Blake Griffin’s Way: a lineup that includes Rock Lobster Tail, NEW Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster, and NEW Lobster Mac & Cheese, all on one plate.

The partnership with Griffin tipped off with a campaign showcasing Griffin dunking basketballs and enjoying Red Lobster...

Red Lobster Launches New Happy Hour

National seafood restaurant Red Lobster recently announced the launch of Happy Hour, featuring $5 drink specials and $2 off select starters.

The special began Monday, December 2, 2024, and will be available each week Monday – Friday from 3 – 6 PM local time at participating restaurants nationwide.

The starter selection includes the following dishes:

• Lobster Flatbread
• Seafood-Stuffed Mushrooms
• Crab Queso
• Lobster Dip
• Mozzarella Cheesesticks

Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster, expressed excitement for the recent launch, saying, “It’s the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle..."

Red Lobster Names New Chief Operating Officer

The reshuffling of seafood chain Red Lobster’s executive leadership continues with the addition of Larry Konecny as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Konecny will be tasked with leading the operational strategy of the brand’s 545 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada.

Reporting directly to CEO Damola Adamolekun, the company announced he will drive initiatives to deliver elevated food quality, customer service, and operational efficiency while fostering a culture rooted in teamwork and excellence.

"Larry brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, a passion for developing high-performing teams...

Red Lobster Adds to Exec Team with New Chief Marketing Officer

Red Lobster announced the appointment of Nichole Robillard as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Robillard will oversee the company’s marketing, communications, and culinary teams, reporting directly to CEO Damola Adamolekun. She will play a key role in shaping the future of the brand across Red Lobster's 545 restaurants in the United States and Canada.

The move comes alongside Bob Baker's appointment as Chief Financial Officer as the brand turns the page post-bankruptcy, as SeafoodNews covered earlier this week.

"Nichole's ability to blend creative vision...

Red Lobster Emerges from Bankruptcy, Officially Names New CEO

Red Lobster has closed the book on its bankruptcy and enters a new era with a new captain at the helm.

The seafood restaurant chain announced its exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the completion of its acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC. The firm also officially announced Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO.

Earlier this month, a federal court approved Red Lobster’s bankruptcy plan, paving the way for RL Investor Holdings to snatch up the company and keep its over 500 locations in operation, along with the...

Court Approves Red Lobster Bankruptcy Plan; Over 500 Restaurants to Survive

Seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster announced that it has received court approval for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan.

As part of the plan, RL Investor Holdings will acquire the chain. RL Investor Holdings is an entity created by funds managed by  affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC, alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch.

The deal is expected to close by the end of this month, per a statement from Red Lobster.

The sale also means that Red Lobster will remain an independent company with 544...

Red Lobster Bankruptcy: Latest Court Docs Reveal New $3.7 Million Claim From Thai Union

According to recent court documents filed by Thai Union in Red Lobster’s chapter 11 bankruptcy case, the seafood restaurant chain owes them approximately $3.7 million.

Red Lobster voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the US. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida this past May. The news came shortly after the chain abruptly closed a staggering amount of restaurants and engaged in a public liquidation of select restaurants. 

Since filing for bankruptcy, Red Lobster has...

Red Lobster’s Crabfest Menu Features “Secret” Flavor Flav Entree 

Red Lobster’s Crabfest menu is expanding with yet another new addition to the lineup: “Flavor Flav’s Faves.” Say that 10 times fast. But there’s a catch. It’s an “off-menu meal,” meaning that it’s a secret menu item that you have to specifically ask your server for. 

In honor of the rapper/ reality TV star and his public devotion for the struggling seafood restaurant, Red Lobster has dropped its limited time “secret menu meal.” The Flavor Flav’s Faves entree features a Maine lobster tail, paired with...

Red Lobster Engages Middle School Students with New Ocean Sustainability Challenge

National seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster recently announced the launch of its new program, the Red Lobster Ocean Sustainability Challenge.

The initiative, which begins on February 5, invites teams of middle schoolers across the United States (with up to five people) to submit three-minute video presentations of innovative solutions that improve the world’s oceans and waterways.

The program aligns with Red Lobster’s Seafood with Standards initiative, which outlines the company’s commitment to protecting the ocean and sourcing foods that are high-quality, traceable, and sustainable...

Red Lobster Unveils New Menu; CEO Makes Stop on TODAY Show

Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, appeared on TODAY earlier this week to promote the seafood chain’s new menu and discuss its future as Red Lobster moves past its bankruptcy.

“Relevant, compelling and exciting is what we want Red Lobster to be for the future, and so we’re working on that now,” Adamolekun told TODAY’s Savannah Sellers.

In hopes of achieving that goal, Red Lobster debuted a new TV spot highlighting the new menu, which features seven new menu options, including...

Bob Baker Named CFO of Red Lobster Amid Company’s Turnaround Efforts

Red Lobster has appointed Bob Baker as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a veteran C-suite executive in the foodservice industry. Baker will report to CEO Damola Adamolekun as part of the company's executive leadership team.

"Bob brings not only deep financial expertise but also a passion for restaurant operations," said Adamolekun. "His wealth of experience gained across the restaurant industry, combined with his hands-on approach, will be invaluable as we continue to position Red Lobster for long-term growth...

FTC Warns Top U.S. Seafood Chains About Misleading "Locally Caught" Claims

An official with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned the top seafood restaurants in the U.S. about falsely advertising their menu items as locally caught.

Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya wrote in a letter to top ten highest grossing seafood chains including Red Lobster, Long John Silver’s and Legal Sea Foods, stating that customers deserve to know that they are being offered genuine wild-caught American seafood - and when they are being offered something else.

“To that end, I am writing to relay recent guidance from Federal... 

Red Lobster Wants to Unite America Through Cheddar Bay Biscuits; Offering Chance to Win Free Seafood

Red Lobster launched the ‘Cheddar Bay 2024’ campaign, which aims to unite all parties ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election through its fan favorite, Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The company said the “bite-partisan campaign,” admittedly a clever pun, can rally everyone, at least for a short time, at the dinner table.

Alongside the campaign, Red Lobster said that guests will have the chance to win free Red Lobster for four years, or a presidential term. Starting on September 9 through November 10...

Red Lobster Has A New Owner In Fortress Credit Corp.

Say hello to Red Lobster’s new owner: RL Purchaser, a stalking horse bidder composed of Red Lobster lenders and controlled by Fortress Credit Corp.

The fate of seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster has been hanging in the balance since Thai Union announced late last year that it would be exiting its minority investment in the restaurant. Financially struggling due to losses related to COVID, and then the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion, Red Lobster ended up shuttering locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this...

Shrimp Is The Star Of The Show This Summer

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy seafood. And while seafood boils and lobster rolls are always popular menu items, it wouldn’t be summer without a sizzling shrimp dish. And based on seasonal promotions it seems that all different types of restaurant chains agree. 

Brazilian Steakhouse Texas de Brazil, which serves all-you-can-eat grilled meat, does not typically offer seafood. However, the restaurant, which has 54 locations, has added two shrimp dishes to their third quarter menu.

For a limited time guests will be able to...