Hey seafood lovers! I’ve got some not-so-great news for all you shrimp fanatics out there. If you’re wondering when Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp promotion will end – well, it already has And this time, it’s permanent. Let me break down everything you need to know about this major change at everyone’s favorite seafood chain.
The End of an Era: Why Endless Shrimp Is No More
The beloved promotion that let us stuff our faces with unlimited shrimp for just $20 has officially been discontinued. Here’s the tea on what happened
- Red Lobster lost a whopping $11 million from the Endless Shrimp promotion
- The deal caused major chaos in restaurants nationwide
- Kitchen staff, servers, and hosts were super stressed trying to keep up
- The promotion contributed to Red Lobster’s bankruptcy troubles in 2023-2024
What Red Lobster’s New CEO Has to Say
Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster’s 36-year-old CEO, hasn’t minced words about the situation. In his own words: “We don’t have any plans to bring it back… because I know how to do math.” Ouch! But honestly, can’t blame the guy – giving away endless expensive shrimp for $20 probably wasn’t the smartest business move.
But Wait, There’s Good News!
Red Lobster isn’t just taking things away – they’re adding tons of exciting new stuff:
New Menu Items
- Lobster Pappardelle Pasta
- Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
- Lobster Bisque
- Grilled Mahi
- Parmesan-crusted Chicken
- HUSH PUPPIES ARE BACK! (This one’s got people super excited!)
Better Value Options
- Appetizer deals
- Weekday happy hours
- Three-course “shrimp sensation” menu at select locations
- New seafood boils with customizable flavors
Will Prices Go Up?
Here’s some good news about prices! Even with new tariffs coming on imported seafood, Red Lobster promises they won’t raise prices for the rest of 2025. Pretty sweet deal, right?
Fun fact: About 90% of their lobster and crab comes from North America and Canada anyway, so those tariffs won’t affect most of their seafood.
What’s Next for Red Lobster?
The company’s focusing on:
- Menu innovation
- Better customer experience
- Restaurant renovations
- Listening to customer feedback (they’re super active on social media now!)
My Take on All This
Look I know losing Endless Shrimp is a bummer. Trust me I’ve had my fair share of those unlimited shrimp feasts! But from a business perspective, it makes total sense. And tbh, with all these new menu items and deals they’re rolling out, we might not even miss it that much.
Pro Tips for Red Lobster Fans
Since Endless Shrimp ain’t coming back, here’s what you can do instead:
- Check out their new seafood boils – they’ve got tons of flavor options
- Take advantage of happy hour deals
- Try their three-course meals for better value
- Keep an eye on their social media for new promotions
- Don’t forget to grab those hush puppies – they’re supposedly amazing!
Bottom Line
While Endless Shrimp has sailed into the sunset, Red Lobster’s still got plenty to offer. The company’s new direction under Adamolekun seems focused on sustainable business practices while still giving customers good value. And hey, at least we can still get those legendary cheddar bay biscuits, right?
So next time someone asks you “When will Endless Shrimp end?” – you can tell them it’s already gone, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing after all. Red Lobster’s working hard to keep bringing us new and exciting options that won’t break their bank (or our wallets).
What do you think about these changes? Are you gonna miss Endless Shrimp, or are you excited to try the new menu items? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
#seafood #RedLobster #foodie #restaurants #dining
Would you like me to explain any part of this article in more detail?
Endless shrimp promotion: officially retired
For years, the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion was a staple at Red Lobster, drawing crowds with the promise of limitless seafood at a set price. But as the company navigated severe financial headwinds, it became clear the beloved deal was more curse than blessing. Adamolekun stated unequivocally, “We don’t have any plans to bring it back,” all but closing the door on an offer that, while popular, ultimately helped sink Red Lobster’s bottom line.
The all-you-can-eat shrimp program, initially launched as a limited-time offer, was made a permanent fixture in recent years. Far from boosting profits, the promotion instead triggered multimillion-dollar losses due to customers out-eating the chain’s margins. Bankruptcy filings revealed the deal alone was responsible for a loss of $11 million, accelerating Red Lobster’s financial unraveling in 2023 and 2024. “We listen intently to customer comments and try to react really quickly to deliver people what they want,” Adamolekun explained. “But you also have to make sure you’re running a profitable business.”
Red Lobster has shifted its strategy to focus on value in more sustainable forms: introducing appetizer deals, weekday happy hours, and a three-course “shrimp sensation” menu offered at select locations. While Adamolekun hasn’t completely ruled out creative promotions in the distant future, diners hoping for the Endless Shrimp’s return shouldn’t hold their breath.
Red Lobster’s new menu items
Adamolekun has prioritized innovation and agility, though, including extensive outreach to customers via social media, and a notable responsiveness from the chain to their feedback. Since emerging from bankruptcy, the company has overhauled its menu—streamlining offerings by 20% while adding new items like Lobster Pappardelle Pasta, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, and revitalizing favorites including hush puppies and popcorn shrimp. Within days of receiving requests for bolder flavors, Red Lobster added new spicy, Old Bay Parmesan, and Cajun sausage options to the menu. “We want to be exciting, relevant and compelling for our guests,” Adamolekun said.
Red Lobster’s new CEO explains what went wrong with endless shrimp
FAQ
Is Endless shrimp discontinued?
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. “We listen intently to customer comments and try to react really quickly to deliver people what they want.”
Is Red Lobster endless shrimp finished?
However, he confirmed that the $20 endless shrimp deal has ended permanently. “Relevant, compelling and exciting is what we want Red Lobster to be for the future, and so we’re working on that now,” Adamolekun told TODAY.
Does Red Lobster still have endless shrimp today?
We know you miss Ultimate Endless Shrimp. While it may be gone, there’s still a shrimptastic way to satisfy your cravings with our Shrimp Your Way. Choose Two or Three of our classic favorites or try out new flavors, all starting at just $20. Red Lobster Birthdays ???
Is Endless shrimp still here?
Red Lobster CEO says endless shrimp is never coming back because ‘I know how to do math’ Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun is making waves at the seafood chain. Red Lobster is trying to change the tides in its post-bankruptcy era.
Will Red Lobster bring the $20 endless shrimp deal back?
Adamolekun said in October he would consider bringing the deal back, but made no promises, citing profit concerns. Adamolekun was brought in to be the new Red Lobster CEO in August. CEO Damola Adamolekun confirmed that the $20 endless shrimp deal will not be included in a revamped menu. But there are nine new items you may love.
How much is endless shrimp at Red Lobster?
Price, of course, is one of the most important considerations for most people when they’re dining out. Endless Shrimp is priced at $20, which is easily the best deal on Red Lobster’s menu. Take, for example, the two-entree combo platter, which comes with two sides.
Does Red Lobster have endless shrimp?
Red Lobster CEO: Bye bye, endless shrimp. Welcome back, hush puppies CEO Damola Adamolekun confirmed that the $20 endless shrimp deal will not be included in a revamped menu. But there are nine new items being offered, including a return of hush puppies Shrimp lovers will notice a key item missing from Red Lobster ‘s new menu.
Can you eat endless shrimp every day?
You’ll soon be able to enjoy Endless Shrimp every single day. If you’ve known me for more than five minutes, you already know that I love Red Lobster. The siren call of those Cheddar Bay biscuits constantly pulls at my heartstrings (and arteries).
Did endless shrimp Doom Red Lobster?
Endless shrimp alone didn’t doom Red Lobster. The American poster child for seafood was dragged down by a range of factors, say former leaders at the chain and restaurant analysts — including handoffs between a mix of investors and corporate parents and Thai Union’s mismanagement.
Why did Red Lobster stop selling breaded shrimp?
Red Lobster said it is investigating the circumstances of that promotion, which Red Lobster management opposed. Under a CEO appointed at the direction of Thai Union, Red Lobster eliminated two of its breaded shrimp suppliers, leaving Thai Union with an exclusive deal to provide shrimp for the chain, the filing said.