A few weeks after Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, I visited the chains Times Square location to try its now-infamous Endless Shrimp promotion for the first time.
This wasnt my first time eating at a Red Lobster. When Ive gone in the past, its been on the weekend. Now, here I was — on an otherwise dull Monday night — prepared to eat my weight in bottomless shrimp at a Times Square chain restaurant.
The promotion was originally launched as a $20 once-a-week deal. Customers were pleased with the deal, so in the summer of 2023, Endless Shrimp became available every day of the week.
However, inflation and the rising cost of seafood meant Red Lobster would raise the price of Endless Shrimp twice, eventually landing at a base price of $25 to cope with demand and improve profits. At the location I visited in New York City, it was priced at $30.
Despite the increased price to offset expenses, the all-you-can-eat strategy backfired. In the two quarters following the initial launch of the daily endless shrimp promotion, Red Lobster reported operating losses of $11 million and $12.5 million.
Discussing the companys low profits in an earnings call in November, Ludovic Garnier, the global chief financial officer of the chains owner, Thai Union Group, told investors the overwhelming response to endless shrimp had led to the losses.
“For those who have been in the US recently, $20 was very cheap,” Garnier said. “We dont earn a lot of money at $20.”
Garnier added the deal “did not deliver what we were expecting” and was “one of the key reasons for the losses we generated in Q3 2023.”
However, Endless shrimp isnt the only factor that led to the fall of Red Lobster. Business Insiders Emily Stewart reported that changing customer tastes, frequent leadership turnover, and the chains decision to switch its real-estate model from owning to leasing restaurants are also to blame for the companys bankruptcy filing.
Still, what was once a daily promotion, Endless Shrimp is now only available on Mondays, which is when I found myself at the revolving doors of Red Lobsters Times Square location on a hot summer night.
Red Lobster’s popular Endless Shrimp promotion has seafood lovers flocking to the restaurant every year. But with varying prices based on location day of the week and seasonal discounts, many are left wondering – how much does endless shrimp at Red Lobster really cost in 2023?
In this article, we’ll break down the pricing for you, so you know exactly what to expect for your next shrimp-fest at Red Lobster.
What is Endless Shrimp?
For those unfamiliar, Endless Shrimp is a recurring limited-time offer from Red Lobster where customers can enjoy unlimited shrimp dishes for one flat fee. The promotion typically includes hand-breaded, fried, grilled, and sauced shrimp recipes prepared in different styles.
Along with unlimited shrimp, the Endless Shrimp offer also includes salad, biscuits, a choice of sides, and unlimited soft drinks, iced tea, or coffee. It’s essentially an all-you-can-eat shrimp extravaganza!
Current Pricing in 2023
The current pricing for Endless Shrimp in 2023 is:
- Monday – Thursday: $19.99 per adult
- Friday – Sunday: $24.99 per adult
- Children’s Meals: $9.99 – $12.99
These prices reflect Red Lobster’s standard everyday pricing for Endless Shrimp this year. However, it’s important to note that pricing is subject to change depending on location. Some restaurants may have varying prices.
Seasonal and Holiday Pricing
While everyday pricing is $19.99 – $2499 per adult, Red Lobster also offers seasonal discounts and promotions
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Summer Weekends: Endless Shrimp is sometimes discounted to $17.99 on summer Fridays.
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Holiday Promotions: Special lower pricing around holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc.
For example, last Father’s Day Red Lobster offered Endless Shrimp for just $15.99 per adult. Keep an eye out for holiday promotions for the best deals.
Tips for Saving on Endless Shrimp
Here are some tips to help you save on Endless Shrimp:
- Go during lunch (11am – 3pm) for lower pricing at some locations
- Check for coupons and promotions on Red Lobster’s website
- Join Red Lobster’s email club for exclusive discounts
- Split a plate with a friend to maximize value
- Order water instead of soda to save money on drinks
What’s Included in Endless Shrimp?
When you order Endless Shrimp, here’s what you’ll get:
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Unlimited shrimp dishes: Choose from up to 8 shrimp preparations like fried, grilled, and coconut shrimp.
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Salad: Unlimited salad from Red Lobster’s Garden Bar.
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Sides: Unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits plus choice of 2 sides like mashed potatoes, broccoli, rice, etc.
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Drinks: Unlimited soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and tea.
With all of this included, it’s easy to see why Endless Shrimp is such a popular yearly promotion. You get amazing value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Endless Shrimp:
How long will Endless Shrimp be available in 2023?
Endless Shrimp is typically offered for 2-3 months at a time, usually in the spring, summer, and fall months. Check with your local Red Lobster for exact 2023 dates.
Can I order Endless Shrimp for takeout or delivery?
Yes, you can order Endless Shrimp for takeout, Rapid Red curbside pickup, or delivery through Red Lobster’s website or app. Pricing is the same.
Is there a limit or maximum number of shrimp you can order?
Officially, there is no limit to the number of shrimp you can order. As long as you continue eating, you can keep ordering more shrimp dishes.
Does Endless Shrimp include lobster or snow crab?
No, Endless Shrimp does not include lobster or snow crab legs. It is focused specifically on unlimited shrimp dishes and sides.
The Bottom Line
So how much does endless shrimp at Red Lobster cost? While pricing varies by location and season, you can typically expect to pay $19.99 – $24.99 per adult for unlimited shrimp. Watch for seasonal discounts and holiday promotions for even better deals.
With a little preparation and these insider tips, you can indulge in unlimited shrimp without breaking the bank. Get ready for your next shrimp-fest at Red Lobster!
My second shrimp skewer didn’t come with rice, but I didn’t mind.
Again, the shrimp was buttery and tender. I didnt struggle too much to finish this second helping.
My favorite of the three varieties I tried was the Paradise Isle jumbo coconut shrimp.
The platter came with four pieces of coconut shrimp and a piña colada-flavored dipping sauce. Normally, an appetizer of this coconut shrimp costs $15.49, excluding tax, for six pieces of shrimp.
I thought that including it as part of the $30 endless shrimp deal was a great value.
The coconut shavings flaked off in my mouth with every bite, adding the perfect level of sweetness to my otherwise savory platter of shrimp. The creamy, pineapple-flavored sauce added tartness to the coconut shrimp, and I found the meat inside to be quite tender.