Red Lobster Announces Major Menu Changes: Exclusive

Red Lobster’s New Menu

Red Lobster is rolling out new menu changes in an effort to excite seafood lovers — including those on TikTok. Damola Adamolekun, the restaurant chain’s new 35-year-old CEO, revealed the changes, which include seven new items and the reintroduction of two fan-favorite dishes, during an exclusive interview on the 3rd hour of TODAY.

Adamolekun said his goal is to help make Red Lobster, which filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year and closed approximately 100 locations, better than it was before. “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 Savannah Sellers.

The new menu is 20% smaller, but it features seven new items, including bacon-wrapped sea scallops, a lobster bisque, and some new pasta dishes. The chain’s famous hush puppies, which have been missing from its menu in recent years, are back, along with popcorn shrimp.

All the New Menu Items

• Lobster Pappardelle
• Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops
• Lobster Bisque
• Lemon Basil Mahi
• Simply Prepared Mahi
• Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
• Roasted Asparagus

No More Unlimited Shrimp

One promotion now gone as part of the revamping is the chain’s famous Ultimate Endless Shrimp, which has inspired many TikTok users to film themselves gorging on the crustaceans. Adamolekun opted to remove the unlimited shrimp campaign “because I know how to do math,” he joked. He has previously commented that the promotion cost the chain money. However, when asked about whether it could ever return, he said anything is possible.

Adjustments to the Tartar Sauce after TikTok Fan Feedback

Adamolekun has also heard the complaints of TikTok users griping about the restaurant’s tartar sauce recipe. “It’s being fixed. I hear you, TikTok…. It’s going to be a better version, in my estimation, because we did try the old one and this new one, this new one’s better,” he said.

Lobsterfest is Still a Go

With all the menu changes, diners may worry Red Lobster will ax Lobsterfest, the restaurant’s annual lobster bonanza featuring special lobster dishes not available year-round. But they needn’t be concerned, said Adamolekun. Not only is Lobsterfest still a go, diners can expect it to be an even bigger event. “This year we want to make (Lobsterfest) bigger and better than ever. You know what we’re calling it? The GLOAT: the greatest lobster fest of all time,” he said.

Conclusion

Red Lobster’s new menu changes aim to bring excitement and relevance to the seafood chain. With the reintroduction of fan-favorite dishes and the addition of new items, Red Lobster is looking to revamp its image and attract new customers. Only time will tell if these changes will be successful in helping the chain recover from its recent struggles.

FAQs

Q: What are the new menu items at Red Lobster?
A: The new menu features seven new items, including bacon-wrapped sea scallops, a lobster bisque, and some new pasta dishes.

Q: Are hush puppies coming back to the menu?
A: Yes, hush puppies are making a comeback at Red Lobster.

Q: Is the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion still available?
A: No, the chain has removed the unlimited shrimp campaign, but it’s possible it could return in the future.

Q: Is Lobsterfest still happening?
A: Yes, Lobsterfest is still a go, and the chain promises it will be an even bigger event this year.

Q: Are there any changes to the tartar sauce?
A: Yes, the chain is updating its tartar sauce recipe based on feedback from TikTok users.