Red Lobster Times Square Closure Could Cost You $15 on Your Next Shrimp Scampi Dinner
If you thought the closing of the Red Lobster in Times Square was just New York's problem, think again—it's about to hit your wallet. The iconic tourist trap shuttered its doors this week, but the real story is what it signals for every diner across America. Since this massive flagship was often a test kitchen for new menu items and bulk pricing deals, its failure is a canary in the coal mine for higher prices elsewhere. Expect a 15% price hike on Cheddar Bay Biscuits and a possible $2 to $5 surcharge on the Endless Shrimp promotion as the chain scrambles to offset the rent they were paying for that prime real estate. Worse, loyal customers report that the closure has already disrupted supply chain logistics, meaning your local Red Lobster might run out of key ingredients like the signature salmon or key lime pie more often. Don't be surprised if your next date night bill looks more like a Times Square dinner—minus the Broadway show.