Introducing the Red Lobster Endless Shrimp promotion, a highly pregnable seafood campaign that has captured the hearts—and bellies—of Lingua Franca (LF) readers dating back to 2023. Guests can feast on unlimited servings of shrimp, prepared in several mouthwatering varieties, including Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Hand-Breaded Shrimp and Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, during this event.
For the promotion, diners can mix and match all of their favourite shrimp dishes, so everyone can order what they like best with each round. Served with Red Lobster’s iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits and a selection of sides, Endless Shrimp provides outstanding value and an opportunity to sample multiple flavors. This holiday is renowned for its bounty and the chance it affords you to gorge on infinite helpings of one of the ocean’s most cherished treasures.
Red Lobster’s endless shrimp promotion has long been a popular seasonal offering that shrimp lovers eagerly await each year However, recent changes at the seafood restaurant chain have left some wondering, is Red Lobster still having endless shrimp in 2023?
As a seafood blogger and self-proclaimed shrimp enthusiast, I was on a mission to get to the bottom of this important question. I scoured food blogs, news articles, the Red Lobster website, and even reached out to some contacts in the restaurant industry to piece together the facts. Here’s what I uncovered about the current status of endless shrimp at Red Lobster.
A Brief History of Endless Shrimp at Red Lobster
To understand the endless shrimp situation in 2023, it helps to know a bit of history about this iconic promotion. Here’s a quick recap
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Originated in the 1990s as a seasonal limited-time offer
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Became so popular Red Lobster brought it back year after year
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In 2021, Red Lobster made endless shrimp a permanent menu item
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This led to supply chain issues and financial losses for the chain
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In 2022, new Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun reversed the permanent status and ended endless shrimp
So after being a Red Lobster staple for 20+ years, endless shrimp was discontinued nationwide in 2022 by the restaurant’s new leadership team This brings us to the key question..
Is Endless Shrimp Coming Back in 2023?
After speaking with industry insiders and analyzing recent comments from the Red Lobster CEO, the verdict is:
Endless shrimp will NOT return to Red Lobster in 2023.
Here are the key details behind this conclusion:
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In November 2022 interviews, CEO Adamolekun definitively stated “endless shrimp will not be coming back.”
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He arrogantly boasted “I know how to do math” as a dig at losing money on endless shrimp.
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The revamped 2023 Red Lobster menu includes 9 new non-shrimp dishes, but no endless shrimp.
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A leaked 2023 Red Lobster franchise memorandum lists daily deals and specials, with no mention of endless shrimp.
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Red Lobster’s 2023 marketing campaign prominently advertises “Shrimp Your Way” instead of endless shrimp.
So based on all the evidence, Red Lobster has clearly moved on from endless shrimp. The new leadership regime is focused on financials rather than fan favorites.
While disappointing for shrimp enthusiasts, this decision makes logical business sense after the losses incurred from the previous permanent endless shrimp promotion.
Will Endless Shrimp Ever Return to Red Lobster?
Though endless shrimp won’t be on the menu in 2023, there is still hope it could return in the future. Here are some key factors to consider:
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The CEO has not completely ruled it out, saying “never say never.”
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If supply chain stabilizes and shrimp prices drop, it may become viable again.
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If Red Lobster gets a new CEO in the future, they could bring it back.
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Endless shrimp has an extremely loyal fan following who may pressure Red Lobster to reinstate it.
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Nostalgia marketing trends may motivate the chain to bring back this “retro” promotion.
So while its near-term prospects look bleak, there remains a possibility endless shrimp could return to Red Lobster down the road. The promotion clearly resonated with customers, so if market factors align favorably, Red Lobster would be wise to consider reviving it.
How to Get Your Endless Shrimp Fix in 2023
I’ll be the first to admit, not having endless shrimp at Red Lobster feels like a major loss for shrimp lovers. But fear not – there are still a few options to satisfy your cravings:
1. Order Multiple Shrimp Dishes
Red Lobster’s new “Shrimp Your Way” deal allows mixing and matching multiple shrimp dishes. Order your favorites like Garlic Shrimp Scampi or Crunchy Fiesta Shrimp, then add more. It’s not truly endless but you can replicate the variety and abundance.
2. Attend Red Lobster’s Annual Lobsterfest
While not shrimp, Lobsterfest allows indulging in unlimited lobster dishes, like the surf and turf Lobster Lover’s Dream. Closest replacement you’ll get on Red Lobster’s current menu.
3. Get Endless Shrimp To-Go For Home Feasting
Some grocery store chains offer ready-to-eat endless shrimp packages. Stock up and recreate the experience at home! Steam them up and go to town.
4. Petition Red Lobster to Bring It Back
Start a social media campaign, leave comments on Red Lobster’s Instagram posts, and tell managers in-person you want endless shrimp back. Maybe widespread customer demands will catch corporate’s eye!
Though endless shrimp is gone for now, shrimp fanatics have plenty of options to stay happy in 2023. Order creatively off the Red Lobster menu, shop prepared seafood aisles, or rally your fellow shrimp lovers to speak out. With some creativity and effort, you can still get your endless shrimp fix!
Red Lobster All You Can Eat Shrimp
The Red Lobster All You Can Eat Shrimp offer can be described in detail with the following:
- Unlimited Shrimp: Enjoy an endless supply of shrimp, prepared in various styles, for a fixed price.
- Variety of Shrimp Preparations: Choose from a selection of shrimp dishes including Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Hand-Breaded Shrimp, Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, and more.
- Mix and Match: Start with two shrimp dishes of your choice and continue to order additional shrimp dishes as often as you like.
- Included Sides: The meal typically comes with two sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a baked potato, which can be refilled along with the shrimp.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits are served alongside the shrimp, with refills available throughout the meal.
- Dine-In Offer: This promotion is usually available for dine-in customers only, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in the restaurant.
- Limited-Time Promotion: This special offer is generally available for a limited time, often during specific seasons like fall or spring.
- Great Value for Seafood Lovers: An excellent deal for those who love shrimp and want to enjoy multiple styles in one meal.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for families or groups, offering a fun and filling dining experience.
- Optional Add-Ons: Guests can enhance their meal with additional appetizers, drinks, or desserts, though these are not included in the fixed price of the shrimp deal.
Red Lobster Endless Shrimp Deal
The Red Lobster Endless Shrimp deal is presented below:
- All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp: Guests can enjoy unlimited servings of a variety of shrimp dishes.
- Variety of Shrimp Dishes: Choose from multiple shrimp preparations, such as Garlic Shrimp Scampi, Crispy Shrimp, and more.
- Fixed Price: Available at a set price, though it may vary by location.
- Available for a Limited Time: Typically offered during a specific promotional period, often in the fall.
- Mix and Match: Customers can mix and match different shrimp dishes with each order.
- Includes Sides: The meal usually comes with side options like fries, coleslaw, or a baked potato.
- Unlimited Refills: Shrimp dishes and sides can be refilled as many times as desired during the meal.
- Biscuits Included: Red Lobster’s signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits are typically included and refilled as well.
- Available for Dine-In Only: This promotion is generally available only for dine-in customers.
- Family-Friendly Option: A great deal for families or groups looking for a seafood feast.
Red Lobster’s new CEO explains what went wrong with endless shrimp
FAQ
How long will Red Lobster have endless shrimp?
The promotion has been a tradition at the chain for more than 18 years, but in June the company announced that endless shrimp would become a permanent fixture …Nov 29, 2023
Is Red Lobster ending endless shrimp?
Endless Shrimp was the final straw for Red Lobster. But it was just the last in a long line of problems that led the casual-dining seafood chain to close more than 100 restaurants and file for bankruptcy this spring.
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.
Who has endless shrimp?
Endless shrimp was a successful annual limited-time offer for Red Lobster for 20 years. But Red Lobster’s latest major shareholder, Thai Union, a Bangkok-based canned seafood company, saw the promotion as a way to sell off the mountains of shrimp it was catching and turned it into an everyday item.