Red Lobster is abruptly closing dozens of restaurants

CNN ^ | May 14, 2024 | Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

[Red Badger]

Struggling Red Lobster is abruptly closing at least 48 of its restaurants around the country, according to a leading restaurant liquidator.

TAGeX Brands is conducting an online auction of Red Lobster restaurant inventory, including kitchen equipment, furniture, tables and chairs. The auction begins Monday and continues through Thursday, according to company founder Neal Sherman.

Red Lobster locations in Buffalo, Orlando, Jacksonville and other cities were listed as “temporarily closed” on Red Lobster’s website, according to local news reports.

Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment. The company has around 650 locations.

Red Lobster is reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy protection. The chain has tapped a restructuring expert as its chief executive, a possible indicator of an impending bankruptcy.

The mass closures are another sign of problems at Red Lobster and one of the only times in its more than 50-year history the chain has closed dozens of stores at once.

Red Lobster was a casual dining pioneer, bringing affordable seafood to middle-class consumers for the first time.

But the chain has declined in recent years due to a range of factors, including corporate mismanagement, say former leaders and restaurant analysts.

In 2020, Thai Union, a longtime supplier to Red Lobster, took an undisclosed financial stake in the chain, becoming a key shareholder.

[Justa]

The marinade seasons the meat. Like a perfectly applied steak sauce. It brings out the flavor -for me. Not unlike salt and other seasonings. Why would I throw seasoning on the meat’s surface when I can infuse it throughout?

OTOH, why don’t ppl just eat raw, uncooked and unseasoned beef? Doesn’t taste too great.

[Jeff Chandler]

Marinade is for inferior cuts of beef. Good beef only needs dry brining, although I do add a sprinkling of pepper and a dash of garlic salt. (Hint: if you can tell there’s garlic on it, you’ve added too much.)