A somber atmosphere looms over Cheddar Bay Biscuit aficionados as Red Lobster has made the unexpected decision to shutter numerous establishments nationwide.
Adding to the lament, a restaurant-supply liquidator has initiated auctions for much of the doomed chain’s kitchen equipment.
As of Tuesday, the exact tally of permanent closures remains elusive. While initial reports suggest at least 48 locations are affected, the Red Lobster website currently designates 87 establishments as “temporarily closed” across 27 states, as reported.
Another source further detailed that “equipment from more than 50 Red Lobster restaurants across the United States was up for auction.”
On Monday, equipment liquidation company TAGeX Brands revealed the commencement of live Red Lobster auctions, set to culminate on Thursday, May 16th.
According to the TAGeX website, these auctions mark the company’s “largest restaurant liquidation ever,” featuring coveted items like ovens, refrigerators, and furniture.
Notably, TAGeX adopts a “winner takes all” approach, meaning victorious bidders secure the “entire contents of the Red Lobster location they bid on.”
As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the top bid for the contents of a Rochester, NY Red Lobster stood at $2500.
Among the offerings were “high-performance ovens, upright refrigerators and freezers, cooking and warming solutions, and comprehensive bar and dining setups.”
These closures coincide with a tumultuous period for Red Lobster. Last year, the company endured significant losses, reporting an $11 million deficit in the third quarter and a $12.5 million shortfall in the fourth, largely attributed to the popularity of its Endless Shrimp promotion.
In a recent development, the seafood chain contemplated filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection just last month.
Red Lobster Locations That Are Closing
Alabama
- Auburn
- Decatur
California
- Redding
- Rohnert Park
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- Torrance
Colorado
- Denver
- Lakewood
- Lone Tree
- Wheat Ridge
Florida
- Altamonte Springs
- Gainesville
- Hialeah
- Largo
- Orlando
Georgia
- Athens
- Roswell
- Dublin
Idaho
- Lewiston
Illinois
- Bloomingdale
- Danville
Indiana
- Indianapolis
- Elkhart
Iowa
- Council Bluffs
- Waterloo
Maryland
- Gaithersburg
- Columbia
- Silver Spring
- Laurel
Michigan
- Fort Grant
Mississippi
- D’lberville
New York
- Amherst
- Kingston
- Rochester
New Jersey
- Ledgewood
North Dakota
- Grand Forks
Oklahoma
- Lawton
South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach
Texas
- Lake Jackson
- Longview
- San Antonio
Virginia
- Colonial Heights
- Williamsburg
- Newport News
Washington
- Silverdale
Wisconsin
- Wauwatosa
- La Crosse
