Why The 'Red Lobster Times Square Closure' Is More Than Just A Shutdown: 5 Shocking Truths
- This was the world's largest Red Lobster, a flagship location that generated massive tourist foot traffic—over 500,000 cheddar bay biscuits were served annually from this single spot
- The closure is tied to a damaging $13 million 2019 lawsuit over cross-contamination and food safety, which hit the company just as COVID crushed tourism in Times Square
- Red Lobster's parent company is reportedly $200 million in debt, and this closure is part of a wider strategy to consolidate locations and cut losses in high-rent districts
- Employees were given less than 48 hours notice, leaving dozens of workers suddenly jobless in one of the most expensive real estate markets in America
- Viral TikTok posts showing the empty, gutted restaurant are driving speculation that the site will be converted into a massive, upscale tourist attraction or hotel