Red Lobster Is Making A Comeback Following Its Bankruptcy Filing—And CEO Damola Adamolekun Is At The Heart Of It
Not long ago, Red Lobster was making headlines for all the wrong reasons—financial losses, restaurant closures, and a bankruptcy filing. But recently, the mood has shifted, and so has the menu.
Thanks to its CEO, Damola Adamolekun, the iconic seafood chain is starting to feel like itself again, just a little fresher, marking a promising comeback for Red Lobster.
Since taking the helm in August 2024, as AFROTECH™ previously reported, Adamolekun has been on a mission to bring Red Lobster back to life, meaning more than just shrimp deals and cheddar biscuits. It’s about creating a better dining experience, from the food on your plate to the smile that greets you at the door.
A New Menu, Familiar Favorites, Real-World Value
One of Adamolekun’s goals was to revitalize the menu by bringing back classic Red Lobster dishes and promotions.
On Monday, the seafood chain announced the return of Crabfest, which includes items like a sirloin steak or salmon topped with crab, as well as seafood boils, as part of a broader strategy to attract new and returning diners.
Before that, in November 2024, longtime favorites like hush puppies and popcorn shrimp made a comeback, along with new dishes like lobster pappardelle pasta and bacon-wrapped scallops that feel a little more elevated than previous Red Lobster fare.
Adamlekun has also made it a point to offer value without sacrificing quality. The chain also launched a $19.99 three-course “Shrimp Sensation” deal and $5 weekday happy hour specials. As for the infamous “Endless Shrimp” promotion that helped tank the brand’s finances last year? It’s on pause—for now.
“We want to have a core value offering at all times,” Adamolekun shared in a Bloomberg TV interview. “Ongoing value is important to the guest, especially in a challenged macroeconomic environment.”
To boost visibility, the outlet also reports that Red Lobster has launched TV ads, strengthened its social media presence, and even partnered with Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league to reach younger audiences.
A New Look For The Next Generation
Adamolekun knows that today’s diners, especially millennials and Gen Z, want more than just good food. They want vibes.
That’s why he’s planning to remodel all 545 Red Lobster locations to feel “energetic, vibrant, inviting, warm,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
Each location will undergo a refresh, with renovations costing approximately $500,000 each and scheduled to roll out over the next four to five years. The first updated restaurant is expected to debut in Atlanta in early 2026.
“Young people especially care about the look and feel of a restaurant,” he said. “They want to be able to take photos. They want to be able to post on social media.”
In addition to the visual overhaul, the company has retrained its staff to prioritize hospitality front and center, making sure guests feel genuinely welcomed and taken care of. It’s already paying off.
Online reviews are trending higher than the industry average, with positive feedback far outweighing the negative, according to the LA Times.
The Road Ahead
Red Lobster isn’t just hoping for a comeback—it’s actively building one as Adamolekun refines the brand for today’s world.
He’s keeping what works—like the iconic biscuits—and modernizing everything else, from the menu and ambiance to how guests are treated. In doing so, Adamolekun sets Red Lobster up not just for a return but for a reinvention.
