Before there was Red Lobster, there was Bill Darden, a man passionate about making delicious, high-quality seafood available and affordable to everyone, including people who lived far from the coast. What was once a single, family owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, now has over 700 locations. My favorite that they start off with is the cheesy biscuits they just melt in your mouth . I also love the Caesar Salad and the Shrimp Linguine Alfredo.
THE HISTORY OF RED LOBSTER
Fresh Seafood for Everyone
Bill Darden opens the first Red Lobster in landlocked Lakeland, Florida.
Business Booms
Red Lobster catches the attention of General Mills. Backed by their resources, Red Lobster restaurants rapidly multiply from coast to coast.
Shrimp Becomes Snack-Worthy
Red Lobster debuts Popcorn Shrimp. People go crazy for it, and rightfully so.
For the Seafood Lover In You
They launch their first of many iconic advertising campaigns, including Life on Land is DryTM, Go OverboardTM and Sea Food DifferentlyTM.
O Canada
We open our first Canadian restaurant in Ontario.
Lobster Lovers, Rejoice
They have their first Lobsterfest — and a Valentine’s Day tradition is born.
Behold Biscuit Mania
Cheesy garlic goodness comes together to create their legendary Cheddar Bay Biscuits®.
Red Lobster Charts a New Course
General Mills spins-off its restaurant division as Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Taking Care of Their Own
They establish an Employee Emergency Assistance Fund, now called RL Cares, to help fellow employees facing financial hardship.
Feeding the Hungry
They start donating unused food to local food banks and homeless shelters through a program they now call RL Shares. Since its launch, they donated about 20 million meals.
Love at First Shrimp
Our Endless ShrimpTM event launches and it’s a huge success.
Bring on the Freshness
“Today’s Fresh Fish” menu makes its debut, bringing fresh, regional seafood to Red Lobsters everywhere.
Get Fired Up
They bring wood-fire grills into our kitchens and train Certified Grill Masters to let the natural flavors of our seafood take center stage.
A Maine Makeover
Our restaurants begin to transform inside and out to a new design and décor, inspired by the historic fishing village of Bar Harbor, Maine.
We Celebrate Our Independence
Golden Gate Capital acquires Red Lobster and they begin charting a new course as an independent company.
A Taste of Innovation
As part of our commitment to keeping their menu fresh and their guests happy, they introduce sustainable, wild-caught selections like Alaska Bairdi Crab and Sockeye salmon, as well as bigger and better shrimp options.
Becoming the World Leader in Seafood
Red Lobster continues expanding globally, delighting guests in 11 countries and counting.
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