Popular seafood chain announces more closures in Florida

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Red Lobster, the popular seafood chain, has confirmed additional closures in Florida, adding to its recent wave of shutdowns following the company’s bankruptcy filing in May. The latest round of closures includes two more Florida locations, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the iconic restaurant chain.

Recent Closures and Impact

Since filing for bankruptcy, Red Lobster has already closed 99 locations across the U.S. The recent announcement adds to this number with the following closures in Florida:

• Clermont: 2475 S Hwy 27
• The Villages: 3830 Wedgewood Ln

These closures come amid a series of financial difficulties for Red Lobster, including rising food and labor costs, as well as significant operating losses. The chain’s recent “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion, which ended up costing the company $21 million, has been a particularly damaging blow.

The company has faced a 30% decline in guest numbers over the past four years, compounding its financial woes and forcing it to make difficult decisions to stabilize its business. The recent closures in Florida underscore the broader challenges Red Lobster is facing as it attempts to navigate through these turbulent times.

Full List of Recent Florida Closures

Here is an updated list of the Red Lobster locations that have closed in Florida:

• Altamonte Springs: 340 West SR 436
• Clermont: 2475 S Hwy 27
• Daytona Beach Shores: 3162 S Atlantic Ave.
• Gainesville: 6910 W. Newberry Road
• Hialeah: 1750 W 49th Street
• Jacksonville: 416 Commerce Center Drive
• Jacksonville: 8720 Baymeadows Road
• Jacksonville: 13090 City Station Drive
• Jensen Beach: 3544 NW Federal Hwy
• Kissimmee: 4010 West Vine Street
• Largo: 10500 E Ulmerton Road
• Leesburg: 10010 US Highway 441
• Orlando: 3552 E. Colonial Drive
• Orlando: 7373 W Colonial Drive
• Orlando: 8003 Golden Sky Lane
• Sanford: 20 Towne Center Circle
• Tampa: 2625 East Busch Blvd.
• Tampa: 17021 Palm Pointe Drive
• The Villages: 3830 Wedgewood Ln

The closures have sparked concern among patrons and employees alike. If you have thoughts or concerns about the ongoing restaurant and store closures across the U.S., feel free to share them in the comments below.