Red Lobster CEO Reveals Why ‘Endless Shrimp’ Is Off the Menu for Good in Louisiana

Louisiana residents take their seafood seriously. With the Gulf of Mexico just a stone’s throw away and our rich culinary tradition of Cajun and Creole dishes like crawfish étouffée, seafood gumbo, and blackened fish, it’s no wonder locals love their food offerings from the water. But for fans of Red Lobster’s iconic $20 “Endless Shrimp” promotion, the bad news is here: the all-you-can-eat favorite isn’t coming back to Baton Rouge, Monroe, or anywhere else.

New Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun made the decision crystal clear, explaining to TODAY, “Because I know how to do math.” While the promotion was a hit with diners, it sank the company’s finances, leading to millions in losses and contributing to Red Lobster’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier this year.

Louisiana’s Love for Shrimp (and Endless Bowls of It)

For Louisianans, shrimp isn’t just a menu item—it’s a way of life. Whether boiled, fried, or swimming in a buttery scampi sauce, it’s a staple in homes and restaurants alike. That’s why “Endless Shrimp” was so beloved in the Bayou State, where seafood traditions run deep and fresh catches are celebrated.

But as much as locals appreciated the offer, the numbers simply didn’t add up. Adamolekun, who became CEO this summer, said the promotion was one of several decisions that steered the company off course. “This wasn’t a single decision that led us, the company, to bankruptcy,” he explained. “It’s about getting back to what made Red Lobster successful in the first place.”

A Plan to Revive the Chain

Adamolekun is leading a $60 million effort to turn the company around, starting with upgrades to the 545 remaining Red Lobster locations. Customers in Baton Rouge and Monroe can expect revamped interiors, better equipment, and a more welcoming atmosphere with new lighting, music, and decor.

He’s also slashing the menu by 20% but bringing back favorites like hush puppies—a Southern staple sure to resonate with Louisiana diners. Alongside other new items like lobster bisque and bacon-wrapped sea scallops, these updates aim to draw customers while making the business more sustainable.

What’s Next for Louisiana’s Red Lobsters?

Although “Endless Shrimp” won’t be making a comeback, Adamolekun says he’s committed to offering the best seafood at the best value. For Louisiana’s seafood lovers, that means Red Lobster will remain an option for those craving dishes from the deep—just not bottomless plates of shrimp.

Locals may miss the all-you-can-eat deal, but with the Gulf's bounty and a tradition of seafood that goes back generations, Louisiana diners still have plenty to savor.