Situated in strip malls and along highways throughout the United States, Red Lobster is among the most well-known chain restaurants in the country. Its a proverbial seafood haven, bringing the bounty of the sea to all corners of America at reasonable prices. Its menu is brimming with specials and iconic classics, from the aptly named Lobsterfest to the chains beloved Cheddar Bay biscuits. Perhaps none of Red Lobsters deals have quite as much sway as its Ultimate Endless Shrimp.
While plenty of chain restaurants have versions of all-you-can-eat gimmicks, Red Lobsters Ultimate Endless Shrimp exists in a category of its own. What started as a promotion to bring in more customers eventually became so successful that Red Lobster made it a permanent menu item in the summer of 2023. It wound up being a bit too popular at its original price point, though; the chain lost $11 million in the same quarter that Ultimate Endless Shrimp was affixed to the permanent menu, per CNN.
And though Red Lobster has since adjusted its prices to account for Ultimate Endless Shrimps popularity, I knew that, when presented with the opportunity, I had to sample this lavish offering of seafood decadence for myself.
Coconut shrimp has long been a beloved menu item at Red Lobster restaurants across the country. The jumbo shrimp coated in flaky coconut breading and served with a sweet orange marmalade dipping sauce has been a customer favorite for over 30 years. However, in recent years, there have been concerning rumors suggesting that financial struggles forced Red Lobster to remove coconut shrimp from their menu entirely. As a big fan of coconut shrimp myself, I was determined to find out if this iconic appetizer is really gone for good.
A Brief History of Coconut Shrimp at Red Lobster
Red Lobster first introduced coconut shrimp to their menu back in 1991. It quickly became one of their most popular appetizers and was heavily promoted in TV commercials throughout the 1990s which featured families eagerly dipping the crispy coconut-crusted shrimp into that distinctive orange sauce.
The massive success of coconut shrimp paved the way for other “Create Your Own” seafood appetizers to be added to the Red Lobster menu like parrot isle jumbo coconut shrimp and seafood stuffed mushrooms. For decades it remained a staple on the chain’s appetizer lineup, surviving various menu revisions over the years. Even through the economic downturn of the late 2000s when Red Lobster overhauled its offerings, coconut shrimp stayed on as the reliable classic that kept customers coming back.
At the height of its popularity in the 2010s, Red Lobster estimated they sold over 25 million orders of coconut shrimp per year. It’s safe to say it was a cornerstone of their menu.
Red Lobster’s Recent Financial Struggles
In the last few years, Red Lobster began experiencing concerning declines in sales and profits. The broader casual dining sector was shrinking and rising costs were putting considerable pressure on margins. A disastrous “Endless Shrimp” promotion in late 2023 offering unlimited shrimp for just $15 reportedly caused a $12 million loss for the chain.
Red Lobster’s parent company, Thai Union Group, also started exerting more control, mandating that Red Lobster buy shrimp exclusively from Thai Union at higher prices than competitors. This supply chain change further increased Red Lobster’s costs right as profits were falling.
By early 2024, nearly 100 Red Lobster locations had been forced to close up shop. The company was saddled with over $300 million in unsustainable debt. On May 19, 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Did Coconut Shrimp Get the Axe During Menu Changes?
In the months leading up to the bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster made the decision to scale back its menu offerings in an effort to simplify operations and improve profitability. Of course, this led to speculation among fans that coconut shrimp may have been on the chopping block. Although unconfirmed, insider reports in early 2024 suggested coconut shrimp had in fact been eliminated.
In April 2024 a Red Lobster social media representative directly addressed guest concerns stating “We appreciate our guests’ love for coconut shrimp. We’re pleased to share it remains available.” This gave coconut shrimp lovers hope that it would survive the menu cuts after all.
Reviewing Red Lobster’s simplified post-bankruptcy menu from June 2024, coconut shrimp is still listed as an appetizer choice. The familiar photo of the dish also remains on the chain’s website
Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp: Still Here…For Now
Based on recent consumer reports on social media and review sites, coconut shrimp does still seem to be available on menus at most Red Lobster locations. While it is no longer showcased or advertised like in decades past, the classic appetizer remains for those craving that nostalgic crunch and sweet orange dipping sauce.
That said, Red Lobster’s financial instability even after bankruptcy filing continues to fuel worries about the future of beloved menu items like coconut shrimp. As the chain fights for its survival in a rapidly changing industry, additional menu streamlining is likely. Time will tell whether coconut shrimp stays or finally gets retired for good.
For now, I’m just glad I can still get my coconut shrimp fix during visits to Red Lobster. But I’ll be sure to order an extra helping next time just in case it does disappear someday soon. Here’s hoping this iconic appetizer sticks around for many more years to come!
Round 2: Garlic shrimp scampi
Several minutes passed between the first Endless Shrimp plate and our second order, and we needed every moment of it. Periodic sips of Modelo and lemon water werent exactly clearing space, what with the alfredo gumming up the works. But we decided to continue headlong into the dairy, ordering garlic shrimp scampi and “Walts Favorite Shrimp.” (We were also surprised with a second grilled shrimp skewer, which we accepted with a bit of a friendly groan.)
Thankfully the scampi didnt come with pasta — wed already had plenty — but it mightve helped sop up some of the separated butter sauce pooled in the rounded rectangular plates in which the shrimp were served. These were the tiniest shellfish we received, possibly grilled as the skewered shrimps were, but there was no way to tell because of all the butter. I made the brutal mistake of grabbing one with my hands, turning into buttery King Midas until I could get my greasy paws on a napkin. Suddenly the end of Endless Shrimp seemed near.
Sitting alongside the scampi was Walts Favorite Shrimp, apparently named for Walt King, said to beone of Red Lobsters first employees. These were butterflied and tightly breaded, which created a unique texture that we couldnt fully appreciate as our digestive systems began to rebel against us. Plain old breaded shrimp just wouldnt stand out here, so our compliments to Walt, wherever he may be.
Though the actual shrimp were good, the real highlight was the cocktail sauce they came with. If this was an approximation of homemade cocktail sauce, you can tell Red Lobster tilted more toward the ketchup than the horseradish. But unlike the coconut shrimp, the sweetness here was more of a subtle touch that made the whole plate more enjoyable. I even dipped a couple of the extra skewered shrimp into it when no one was looking.
That said, this far into the meal, time began to slow down. It felt as if an hour passed after Walts final shrimp disappeared from our plate — and it still wasnt enough. But I knew we had more shrimp to try.
Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp
Were not sure where Parrot Isle is, but its namesake coconut shrimp exists somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle of appetizers, entrees, and fried desserts. Red Lobsters shrimp, while indeed jumbo, were hard to define. They were butterflied and breaded well, with the characteristic strands of browned coconut poking out along their edges, adding a saccharine crust to the savory shellfish underneath.
It was full-send coconut shrimp in every sense of that newly made-up term. Fried sweets always hit hard, though, and it was this dish that landed the first proper blow in our Endless Shrimp bout. You always expect a little sweetness with coconut shrimp, but these could probably cause a cavity. Further accentuating it was an even more cloying white coconut sauce, a dip that vaguely tasted like cake frosting.
If you squinted and ignored the flared shrimp tail, it would be fair to wonder if you were actually eating a zeppole or beignet. The only question is whether the Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp should also be listed on the dessert section of Red Lobsters menu. I dont think Id complain if it was.
If the coconut shrimp was a jab, the shrimp linguini alfredo was an outright haymaker. Finally, we realized what we were up against. A slathering of shrimp laid atop pasta and covered in white sauce, this dish was straightforward but also far more indulgent than the other two on the plate, and we felt it from the very first bite.
The sauce itself was milky and sat atop the linguini rather than coating it, which left several of the pasta strands toward the bottom disappointingly dry. It did manage to catch the shrimp, which seemed to be simply boiled. But, it was hard to get any shrimp flavor due to the sauces overwhelming creaminess. Pasta with alfredo sauce is usually worth skipping at restaurants, in part because its quite simple and reliant on gobs of dairy. Like any alfredo, though, this one kept us coming back for more even when we werent sure how. By the end of it, we didnt know if wed be able to press on — until our server Karl sarcastically rang the bell for our second round.
Are Red Lobster’s Coconut Shrimp Worth $7.48 ??
FAQ
Why did Red Lobster get rid of endless shrimp?
The deal was once again too popular, and Red Lobster was unprepared for its customers’ insatiable lust for discounted shellfish. Red Lobster’s major shareholder Thai Union, a Bangkok-based canned seafood company, lost $11 million. “We need to be much more careful,” a Thai Union executive said.
Did Red Lobster change their menu?
Red Lobster’s new menu features seven new items, including bacon-wrapped sea scallops, a lobster bisque and some new pasta dishes. The chain’s famous hush puppies, missing from the menu in recent years, are back, which Adamolekun predicts will make diners happy. Popcorn shrimp has also made a comeback, too.
What doomed Red Lobster?
… the restaurant—the worst of all being the divestment of Red Lobster’s property holdings in order to rent them back on punitive leases, adding massive overheadMay 20, 2024
Does Red Lobster still have never ending shrimp?
In an interview with TODAY that aired Monday, CEO Damola Adamolekun announced that the seafood chain’s revamped menu will include nine new items from a lobster bisque to bacon-wrapped sea scallops. However, he confirmed that the $20 endless shrimp deal has ended permanently.
Does Red Lobster still have endless shrimp in 2025?
Red Lobster CEO says endless shrimp is never coming back because ‘I know how to do math’ | Fortune.
Does Red Lobster have coconut shrimp?
That sauce is so good you could eat it with a spoon. But the coconut shrimp is pretty awesome too, just on its own. Red Lobster’s secret formula includes Captain Morgan’s Parrot Bay rum, which sweetens the batter and adds a great coconut flavor (plus you can whip up a nice cocktail with it while you’re cooking).
How do you make Red Lobster coconut shrimp sauce?
Easy and delicious copycat Red Lobster coconut shrimp sauce is made with pina colada mix, pineapple, coconut, and a few other simple ingredients. Gently whisk together sour cream and pina colada mix in a large bowl. Stir in powdered sugar. Stir to combine. Fold in crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, lime juice, and lime zest.
Does Red Lobster serve fried shrimp?
Red Lobster offers six hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp as part of their free Veterans Day meal deal, featuring Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Fries, and Coleslaw.
Is Red Lobster going out of business?
Earlier this year, Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy and closed nearly 100 restaurants amid a company-wide restructuring and reinvention. Now, with a new CEO at the helm, the chain is looking toward the future, though customers will have to say goodbye to some remnants of the past.
What happened to shrimp & squid?
That includes the chain’s endless shrimp deal, which last year was expanded to include service all day, every day. It ended up becoming a massive financial strain on the company, ultimately playing a role in its road to bankruptcy.