WASHINGTON — Red Lobster is publicly addressing its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing days after shuttering dozens of restaurants nationwide.
After days of silence, the seafood restaurant chain posted a statement on social media Tuesday reassuring customers that the business is not going anywhere.
"For more than five decades Red Lobster has been a part of your family's life. We've been there for your celebrations, big and small," the company said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. "And Red Lobster is determined to be there for these moments for generations to come. And that's why we filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection."
"Bankruptcy is a word that is often misunderstood. Filing for bankruptcy does not mean we are going out of business. In fact, it means just the opposite," Red Lobster continued. "It is a legal process that allows us to make changes to our business and our cost structure so that Red Lobster can continue as a stronger company going forward. As many of you know, we recently made the tough decision to close a number of our restaurants."
The seafood chain went on to detail how "the world's most beloved brands like Delta and Hertz" have used bankruptcy protections in the past and "emerged stronger."
"Together, we have a lot worth rooting for," the statement read. "We are here and ready to continue making memories with you."
"Join us. Dine with us. Root for us. Together, we can write a new chapter," the company concluded.
The Florida-based seafood chain, which won fans with inventions like popcorn shrimp and “endless” seafood deals, has been struggling in recent years with rising lease and labor costs.
Restaurant liquidator TAGeX Brands announced last week that it would be auctioning off the equipment of over 50 Red Lobster locations that were recently closed. The store closures spanned more than 20 states — reducing Red Lobster’s presence in cities like Denver, San Antonio, Indianapolis and Sacramento, California.
Red Lobster store closings 2024: Full list of latest closures
The following list shows Red Lobster locations listed as "closed" on their website.
Alabama
Arizona
California:
Colorado
Florida
- Hialeah, Florida
- Tampa, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Largo, FL
- Kissimmee, FL
- Leesburg, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Orlando, FL (Golden Sky Lane)
- Altamonte Springs, FL
- Gainesville, FL
- Jacksonville, FL (Commerce Center Drive)
- Jacksonville, FL (Baymeadows Road)
- Jacksonville, FL (City Station Drive)
- Sanford, FL
- Daytona Beach Shores, FL
- Jensen Beach, FL