Red Lobster bets on a millennial makeover

Red Lobster’s new CEO is attempting to revive the seafood chain that has been a staple of the casual dining industry for more than half a century.

Red Lobster’s new CEO is attempting to revive the seafood chain, which has been a staple of the casual dining industry for more than half a century, with millennial mojo.

“We want to make the restaurants more fun,” Damola Adamolekun, 35, said. “We want to make this more energetic.”

Red Lobster is turning to millennial leadership to bring in younger guests, which the chain needs after closing more than 100 of its 640 restaurants earlier this year. Visits to Red Lobster were down more than 43% in October compared to the same time last year, according to data from Placer.ai, a location analytics company.

Red Lobster has since emerged from bankruptcy, ushering in a new era for the once-major seafood chain. Fortress Investment Group is kicking in $60 million toward reshaping the brand’s value offerings, service and atmosphere.

On Monday, Adamolekun, who’s been in the job since late August, announced a brand-new menu. He’s introducing nine new items — and bringing back old favorites like hush puppies.

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/red-lobster-millennial-makeover-rcna179406

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