Red Lobster Announces Even More Restaurant Closures Amid Bankruptcy
Red Lobster fans got even more bad news when it was announced that even more restaurant locations would close in the wake of the company's bankruptcy filing.
In a court filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, via Today, Red Lobster listed 23 locations that would officially close its doors soon. This included restaurants in California, as well as in Illinois, New York, Missouri, Georgia and more states.
Red Lobster requested the leases be rejected by the end of August and that any personal property at the locations be allowed to be abandoned there. The request was officially granted by the court.
The 23 locations Red Lobster is closing are in addition to the reported 99 locations that closed in spring, as reported by Restaurant Business Magazine. Around the same time, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, news that had fans of the chain quite upset.
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At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster's CEO, Jonathan Tibus, said in a press release, "This restructuring is the best path forward for Red Lobster...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.”
Last month, Red Lobster announced that it was accepting a purchase offer from RL Purchaser LLC, controlled by Fortress Credit Corp., after it was the only offer extended to Red Lobster before the deadline, according to Nation's Restaurant News.
While all this is going on behind the scenes, fans of Red Lobster are trying to enjoy the restaurant while they can, and the chain is still updating fans on menu changes and the like on social media.
Just last week, Red Lobster shared a post celebrating Crabfest and the many exciting offerings available at open locations.
Next: Fans React After Red Lobster Locations Close Suddenly Without Warning—Even for Employees