WASHINGTON — Dozens of Red Lobster locations across the country abruptly shuttered their doors on Monday.
More than 90 Red Lobster locations in at least 27 states were listed as "temporarily closed" on the restaurant's website.
Workers at the shuttered restaurants shared their disbelief on social media and said they received no notice whatsoever.
A liquidation company announced it is conducting an online auction of Red Lobster kitchen equipment and other contents of the closed restaurant locations.
The closures come as bankruptcy rumors circled the seafood restaurant chain in recent weeks. Red Lobster has been searching for a buyer to avoid filing for Chapter 11, multiple media outlets reported last month.
The Orlando-based chain, known for its endless shrimp deals, has reportedly been eyeing bankruptcy filing to restructure its debt and downsize from its 650 US locations, CNN reports.
The company has yet to publicly acknowledge Monday's closures and did not respond to a request for comment.
For years, Red Lobster faced a multitude of difficulties — both financially and internally.
In 2021 and 2022, the company saw a new CEO, chief marketing officer, chief financial officer and chief information officer join the C-Suite. All of them left within two years, according to CNN.
Last year, Red Lobster significantly expanded its iconic all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. But customer demand overwhelmed what the chain could afford, which also reportedly contributed to the millions in losses.
Earlier this year, Red Lobster co-owner Thai Union Group, one of the world’s largest seafood suppliers, announced its intention to exit its minority investment in the dining chain.
Red Lobster's roots date back to 1968, when the first restaurant opened in Lakeland, Florida. In the decades following, the chain expanded rapidly. Red Lobster currently touts more than 700 locations worldwide.
Red Lobster store closings 2024: List of latest closures
The following list shows Red Lobster locations listed as "closed" on their website, as of Monday afternoon.
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
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
