Hey seafood lovers! I’ve been keeping a close eye on Red Lobster’s famous Endless Shrimp promotion, and boy do I have some juicy details to share with you. As a foodie who’s been tracking this story I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about this legendary deal that’s been making waves (pun intended!) in the restaurant industry.
Current Pricing and Availability
Let me cut straight to the chase – here’s what you need to know about the current Endless Shrimp deal:
- Regular Price: $25 at most locations nationwide
- Premium Locations (like Times Square): $30
- Availability: Mondays only (no longer available daily)
- What’s Included:
- Choice of multiple shrimp preparations
- Unlimited refills
- Side dish
- Those amazing Cheddar Bay Biscuits
The Price Evolution
The pricing history of Endless Shrimp is pretty interesting
| Time Period | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2023 | $20 | Limited time only |
| Mid 2023 | $20 | Daily |
| Late 2023 | $25 | Daily |
| 2024 | $25-30 | Mondays only |
What You Get For Your Money
When you order the Endless Shrimp you can mix and match from these options
- Grilled Shrimp Skewer
- Walt’s Favorite Shrimp (hand-breaded)
- Parrot Isle Coconut Shrimp
- Garlic Shrimp Scampi
- Shrimp Linguini Alfredo
Pro tip: Don’t fill up on the pasta options first – they’re tasty but super filling!
Why The Price Increased
Here’s the tea on why Red Lobster had to jack up the prices:
- Operating Losses: The company lost over $11 million in just one quarter
- Food Costs: Rising seafood prices hit them hard
- Too Popular: People were eating way more than expected
- Inflation: General cost increases affected everything
Is It Still Worth It?
Let’s break down the value proposition:
Pros:
- Unlimited refills
- Multiple preparation styles
- Includes sides and those addictive biscuits
- Still cheaper than many seafood entrees
Cons:
- Only available on Mondays
- Higher price than before
- May have to wait longer during peak hours
- Some locations charge more
Tips to Get the Most Value
If you’re gonna do Endless Shrimp, here’s how to maximize your experience:
- Go hungry: Skip lunch that day
- Start light: Begin with grilled options
- Pace yourself: Don’t fill up on sides
- Mix it up: Try different preparations
- Time it right: Avoid peak dinner rush
The Business Impact
Ngl, this promotion almost sank Red Lobster! Here’s what happened:
- $11 million operating loss in Q3 2023
- Additional $12.5 million loss in following quarter
- Led to bankruptcy filing in 2024
- Forced to restrict the deal to Mondays only
My Personal Take
Having tried this deal myself recently, I gotta say – even at $25-30, it’s still pretty decent value if you’re a shrimp lover. Just don’t expect the same crazy good deal it was at $20. The quality’s still there, but you def need to eat quite a bit to make it worth your money.
Bottom Line
The Endless Shrimp deal at Red Lobster currently costs $25 at most locations ($30 in premium spots like Times Square). While it’s not the steal it used to be at $20, it can still be worth it if you:
- Really love shrimp
- Are pretty hungry
- Don’t mind dining on Mondays
- Can eat enough to justify the price
Remember, prices might vary by location, so it’s always smart to call ahead and confirm the current price at your local Red Lobster. And hey, don’t forget to save room for those Cheddar Bay Biscuits – they’re still unlimited too!
Final Thoughts
Look, I ain’t gonna sugar coat it – the price increase is a bummer. But considering what restaurants are charging these days, getting unlimited shrimp for $25 isn’t the worst deal in the world. Just make sure you come hungry and don’t fill up on those tempting biscuits too quick!
Have you tried the Endless Shrimp deal lately? What do you think about the new pricing? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Note: Prices and availability mentioned in this article are current as of 2024 and may vary by location. Always check with your local Red Lobster for the most up-to-date information.
Round 1: Grilled shrimp skewer
Our first plate arrived about 10 minutes later, an oval slab containing our first three Endless Shrimp choices: the grilled shrimp skewer, Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp, and shrimp linguini alfredo. We started with the skewer: six grilled shrimp atop a bed of orzo and served with a slice of lemon. Aside from being the humblest dish on the plate, it was easily the most straightforward — and that wasnt a bad thing.
The shrimp themselves were slightly rubbery and a bit dry, but it was nothing a little lemon juice couldnt fix. They also paired well with our chosen side of broccoli, which was steamed and extremely salty. I suspect the orzo was added to lend to a Mediterranean feel — not easy to achieve when nestled next to a heap of shrimp alfredo, but somehow, just barely, it worked. We knew there was plenty of gluttony to come, but the skewer kicked things off on a light, almost refreshing note. If only that couldve lasted!
What is Red Lobster’s Ultimate Endless Shrimp?
The conceit of Ultimate Endless Shrimp is fairly simple: For a flat fee of $25 per person — at the time of publication and up from its original price of $20 — you can eat as much shrimp as your crustacean-loving heart desires. The special offers seven different shrimp dishes (four of which are breaded), as well as one side. Customers can order up to three dishes at once and can do so for as long as theyre able. Oh, and perhaps Red Lobsters most popular dish, the Cheddar Bay biscuits, are complementary.
After fasting for almost the entire day, my girlfriend and I trekked to the Red Lobster near my home in New Jersey. I figured at best it would be a fun meal to share and, at worst, it would be an interesting test of our relationship. How much damage could all this shrimp really do?
One of the employees led us to a centrally-located round table large enough for six or seven people. I was thrilled. A booth wouldnt have worked here; this was the perfect arena for the shrimp feast we were about to undertake. Our server, Karl, couldnt have been nicer, explaining the menu like a referee reading the rules to two prizefighters ready to come out swinging. We pored over them with fake deliberation — as if we didnt already know our exact order. After a minute or so, we each ordered a water, beer, and our first round of Endless Shrimp dishes.
Red Lobster’s new CEO explains what went wrong with endless shrimp
FAQ
How much does the endless shrimp cost?
The Endless Shrimp deal costs $30 and gives customers the choice of five different shrimp-filled dishes.Jun 5, 2024
Does Red Lobster still have $20 endless shrimp?
Red Lobster CEO says endless shrimp will not return
The endless shrimp promotion that sank Red Lobster’s bottom line in 2021 and forced the restaurant chain into bankruptcy will not be returning. “We don’t have any plans to bring it back,” Adamolekun said.
Is endless shrimp worth it?
The value of Red Lobster’s Ultimate Endless Shrimp is difficult to quantify. If you’re dining with a family full of ravenous kids or a college student with a bottomless stomach, it’s probably worth it. If you’re counting calories or trying to have any semblance of a reasonable meal, it’s probably not.
How much is the endless Lobster deal at Red Lobster?
Red Lobster is giving 150 customers endless lobster for free. Red Lobster is known for its endless shrimp deal. The company made it a permanent menu option in June, and it was so popular that they reported an $11 million loss in the third quarter of 2023. They increased the price from $20 to $25 as a result.