Red Lobster Casual Dining

Red Lobster is a globally recognized casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in seafood. Founded in 1968 by Bill Darden and Charley Woodsby in Lakeland, Florida, the brand grew from a single family-owned restaurant into a massive international franchise known for its signature Cheddar Bay Biscuits and accessible seafood offerings. The brand played a pivotal role in popularizing seafood dining across North America.

Over the decades, the ownership of Red Lobster has transitioned through several major corporate hands, including General Mills and later Darden Restaurants. In recent years, the brand underwent significant restructuring. After a period of ownership by Thai Union Group and Golden Gate Capital, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 to reorganize its debt and operations.

In late 2024, Red Lobster was acquired by RL Investor Holdings LLC, a consortium led by the investment firm Fortress Investment Group. Under this new ownership, the brand continues to operate hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada, as well as international franchises. While the brand is American by origin, its supply chain for seafood is global, sourcing products from various international waters and aquaculture farms.