Tallahasseeans, say goodbye to fresh “Cheddar Bay Biscuits.”
After 56 years, the Red Lobster seafood restaurant chain’s oldest continuously-operating location is turning off its ovens for the final time.
The final day of operation of the restaurant on North Monroe Street is Sunday, May 24. The store’s manager and employees confirmed the news to the Tallahassee Democrat on May 18.
The chain once known for its “endless shrimp” promotion has weathered years of financial storms. Headlines in 2024 revealed deep financial struggles. In an effort to rebuild, the chain began shrinking its footprint and rethinking its future with a full revamp.
By September 2024, the seafood chain exited bankruptcy with a new operational plan and a hefty $60 million investment from its backers, Fortress Investment Group, which they poured into the 545 remaining locations they had in operation around the time.
In 2024, 17 storefronts in Florida were among the 126 that closed nationwide. But Tallahassee’s landmark operation was never on the endangered list.
Until now.
It’s even after Tallahassee hosted a grand “re-opening” with new menus focusing on “wild caught” seafood flavors and support from corporate staff to calm the waters.
Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun told The Wall Street Journal earlier this year that the chain was assessing its roster of restaurants and the locations’ leases with a potential for additional closures.
More cost-cutting measures followed in December 2025, when Red Lobster reduced its workforce by about 1%, resulting in the loss of less than 200 restaurant-level employees, according to Restaurant Business.
The company has also laid off about 10% of its corporate staff in recent months, the Journal reported. Red Lobster has around 480 remaining locations.
This article includes previously reported information. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: After 56 years, Red Lobster to shut down longtime Tallahassee location
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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