Only One Red Lobster Stands In Louisiana After Major Closures

(KMDL-FM) There was a time when the iconic restaurant chain Red Lobster boasted over 700 stores worldwide. That number has dropped dramatically over the past few years. At last count, the worldwide Red Lobster count was listed by Yahoo Finance as being between 480 and 550 locations. We can now tell you that only one of those locations remains in Louisiana.

READ MORE: Red Lobster Announces Return of Endless Shrimp

There were several Red Lobsters in Louisiana for the longest time. I can remember when Lafayette had a Red Lobster, but that location has been several other restaurants since the Cheddar Bay Biscuits stopped being served. I often wondered why people in South Louisiana, where fresh seafood is plentiful, would even bother to visit a place where the seafood wasn't prepared in Louisiana dishes.

What's The Latest Red Lobster To Close in Louisiana?

Evidently, I wasn't the only South Louisiana resident with those kinds of culinary concerns. Over the Memorial Day Weekend, we learned that Red Lobster at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge has closed its doors.

Oddly enough, Red Lobster at the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend offered a social media post that suggested fans of "Endless Shrimp" should come in for their fill.

Oddly enough, that very promotion has been implicated in the demise of Red Lobster across the globe. Evidently, people can eat a lot of shrimp, because the promotion has been blamed as the reason the company had to go into Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Since 2024, Red Lobster has closed more than 100 restaurants as part of those bankruptcy proceedings. From what we understand, the company emerged from bankruptcy in September of 2024 as the chain acquired new funding.

According to information provided, Red Lobster's new direction will be spearheaded by RL Investor Holdings LLC. The company, under the direction of Fortress Investment Group, will shift its strategy to focus on menu innovations and improving the customer experience.

Where Is the Last Red Lobster in Louisiana Located?

Of course, you won't know if they were successful or the new strategy improved your experience unless you have a Red Lobster to visit. Apparently, in Louisiana, that will now mean a trip to Monroe. Yeah, Monroe is the only city in Louisiana with Red Lobster, and that seems about right.

READ MORE: Louisiana's Best "Gas Station Sushi" Is in Lafayette

Hey, it's tough to be in the seafood business in Louisiana. We are all good at cooking it, and we have gas stations that can cook circles around chain restaurants, especially the closer to the coast you travel. So, for Monroe, also known as "Arkansas-extended," yeah, Red Lobster is your kind of seafood place.  Unless you happen to have some Mrs. Paul's or Gorton's in the freezer.

Now, if you're looking for real seafood with real flavor, try these places. You can thank us later.