Red Lobster to Close Times Square Location After 23 Years Due to Construction and Rent Issues
Red Lobster reveals why it’s closing its iconic Times Square location after 23 years
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Image: The Independent
Red Lobster will close its Times Square restaurant on June 14 after 23 years due to prolonged construction and plans for residential conversion of the property. Employees will be offered transfers to other locations as the chain restructures following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- 01The Times Square Red Lobster has operated since 2003 and will close on June 14, 2024.
- 02Prolonged construction and a planned conversion of the property to residential use made continued operation unfeasible.
- 03The restaurant was the chain's only remaining location in New York City and served as a popular spot for tourists and locals.
- 04Red Lobster is undergoing restructuring after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024, leading to the closure of over 100 locations.
- 05Employees will have the option to transfer to other Red Lobster locations and receive additional pay during the transition.
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Red Lobster is set to close its iconic Times Square restaurant on June 14, 2024, after 23 years of service. The decision comes as a result of prolonged construction work at the site and plans to convert the property into residential housing, which have significantly affected access and visibility. The three-story restaurant, which opened in 2003, has been a staple for tourists and locals alike, known for its promotions and events, including a notable free lobster giveaway in 2023. Despite being considered a 'high-performing' location, the restaurant faced challenges with rent negotiations, as the owners of 5 Times Square sought approximately $2.2 million annually for the space. Following the closure, employees will be offered transfers to other Red Lobster locations, as this was the last remaining restaurant in New York City's five boroughs. The closure is part of a broader restructuring effort by Red Lobster, which has seen over 100 locations shut down following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May 2024. The company reported a 6.2% decline in sales year-over-year, totaling $1.56 billion.
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The closure of the Times Square location will impact employees and the local dining scene, as it was the last Red Lobster in New York City.
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