Red Lobster just launched a new shrimp promotion—could this be even better than “Endless Shrimp”?
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If you’ve ever found yourself elbow-deep in cocktail sauce, chasing that last elusive shrimp at Red Lobster, you’re not alone.
For decades, the seafood chain’s “Endless Shrimp” deal was the stuff of legend—an all-you-can-eat bonanza that inspired both awe and, as it turns out, a financial tailspin.
But after a headline-grabbing bankruptcy and a hard look in the mirror, Red Lobster is back with a new shrimp deal that promises to be filling without draining the business.
First, a little backstory for those who missed the seafood soap opera. Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” was once a siren song for shrimp lovers everywhere.
For just $20, you could feast on wave after wave of shrimp, in every style imaginable, until you simply couldn’t eat another bite. It was a deal so generous, it became infamous—and, as it turns out, unsustainable.
In 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the “Endless Shrimp” deal was fingered as a major culprit. According to court documents, the promotion cost the company a whopping $11 million in losses, thanks in part to a decision by then-CEO Paul Kenny to make it a permanent menu item.
The result? A tidal wave of hungry guests, supply chain headaches, and a 30% drop in overall visitors since 2019. Not even the most seasoned seafood lover could have predicted that much trouble from a plate of shrimp.
So, what’s the catch with the new “SpendLESS Shrimp” deal? For $15.99, you get a trio of shrimp favorites—Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, and Popcorn Shrimp—all on one plate. It’s not bottomless, but it’s a hearty helping for a price that won’t make your wallet weep.
Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, put it best: “It may not be endless, but you’ll definitely spend less.” The company is clearly hoping this new approach will satisfy both your appetite and their accountants.
The “SpendLESS Shrimp” deal is more than just a clever play on words. It’s a sign that Red Lobster is learning from its past. By offering a generous, but not unlimited, portion, the chain can keep costs in check while still giving customers a reason to come back.
It’s a balancing act—one that many restaurants are facing as food prices and supply chain issues continue to buffet the industry.
But shrimp isn’t the only thing on the menu. Red Lobster is also making waves with new permanent seafood boils and a lineup of fall-inspired cocktails.
The Mariner’s Boil (Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes) and the Sailor’s Boil (shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes) are now here to stay, each customizable with your choice of roasted garlic butter, Cajun butter, or Old Bay seasoning.
And for those who like a little something to sip while they savor, the new cocktails are a treat:
Were you a fan of the original “Endless Shrimp” deal? Have you tried the new “SpendLESS Shrimp” promotion, or are you tempted to give it a go? What’s your favorite way to enjoy shrimp—scampi, popcorn, or Alfredo? And do you think Red Lobster’s new approach will help them turn the tide?
For decades, the seafood chain’s “Endless Shrimp” deal was the stuff of legend—an all-you-can-eat bonanza that inspired both awe and, as it turns out, a financial tailspin.
But after a headline-grabbing bankruptcy and a hard look in the mirror, Red Lobster is back with a new shrimp deal that promises to be filling without draining the business.
First, a little backstory for those who missed the seafood soap opera. Red Lobster’s “Endless Shrimp” was once a siren song for shrimp lovers everywhere.
For just $20, you could feast on wave after wave of shrimp, in every style imaginable, until you simply couldn’t eat another bite. It was a deal so generous, it became infamous—and, as it turns out, unsustainable.
In 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and the “Endless Shrimp” deal was fingered as a major culprit. According to court documents, the promotion cost the company a whopping $11 million in losses, thanks in part to a decision by then-CEO Paul Kenny to make it a permanent menu item.
The result? A tidal wave of hungry guests, supply chain headaches, and a 30% drop in overall visitors since 2019. Not even the most seasoned seafood lover could have predicted that much trouble from a plate of shrimp.
The new SpendLESS Shrimp deal lets diners enjoy all three of the chain’s most popular shrimp dishes. Image source: Red Lobster
So, what’s the catch with the new “SpendLESS Shrimp” deal? For $15.99, you get a trio of shrimp favorites—Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, and Popcorn Shrimp—all on one plate. It’s not bottomless, but it’s a hearty helping for a price that won’t make your wallet weep.
Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, put it best: “It may not be endless, but you’ll definitely spend less.” The company is clearly hoping this new approach will satisfy both your appetite and their accountants.
The “SpendLESS Shrimp” deal is more than just a clever play on words. It’s a sign that Red Lobster is learning from its past. By offering a generous, but not unlimited, portion, the chain can keep costs in check while still giving customers a reason to come back.
It’s a balancing act—one that many restaurants are facing as food prices and supply chain issues continue to buffet the industry.
But shrimp isn’t the only thing on the menu. Red Lobster is also making waves with new permanent seafood boils and a lineup of fall-inspired cocktails.
The Mariner’s Boil (Maine lobster tail, a dozen shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, and red potatoes) and the Sailor’s Boil (shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes) are now here to stay, each customizable with your choice of roasted garlic butter, Cajun butter, or Old Bay seasoning.
And for those who like a little something to sip while they savor, the new cocktails are a treat:
- Caramel Dream: Absolut Vodka, butterscotch, caramel, and cream, topped with a sea salt chocolate caramel.
- Apple Harvest Punch: Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, cranberry, lemon, and apple juice, finished with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
- Gold Rush: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, honey, and a sparkling gold shimmer, garnished with fresh mint.
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