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Dozens of Red Lobster locations go belly up nationwide, including 3 in Houston
Sad news for fans of Cheddar Bay biscuits and the Admiral’s Feast. Red Lobster has abruptly closed dozens of its locations nationwide, according to multiple media reports.
The closures cover restaurants throughout Texas, including three in the greater Houston area:
- North Houston, 302 FM 1960
- Pasadena, 4002 Spencer Highway
- Lake Jackson, 104 Hwy 332 W
Two Dallas-area restaurants have also closed (Technology Blvd. and Vantage Point Dr.) as well as one in San Antonio.
Founded in Florida in 1968, Red Lobster has grown to a nationwide chain of casual seafood restaurants that are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and approachable fare. In addition to the eponymous steamed or roasted lobsters, the restaurant offers an extensive array of shrimp preparations such as Garlic Scampi Shrimp, Crispy Dragon Shrimp, Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo.
Red Lobster has been in financial trouble since last year, when it reported losing $11 million in the third quarter of 2023 due to the unexpected popularity of its Endless Shrimp promotion, which was priced too cheaply. Bloomberg reported last month that the company was considering a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing to restructure its debt.
Restaurant liquidator TAGeX Brands is auctioning off all of the equipment from almost 50 of the shuttered locations, including both the Lake Jackson and San Antonio outposts. Interested parties should act quickly, as the auctions will close on Thursday, May 16.
Several Houston-area Red Lobsters remain open, including West Houston, Katy, Webster, Humble, and Shenandoah.