I’m reading a Yahoo story about Red Lobster’s new owner and its strategy to “fancy up” the restaurant chain.
Now, I like Red Lobster, but it is what it is — a casual restaurant with some moderately priced seafood and some higher-priced seafood. Go when there’s a special “fest” or feast going, and you can maximize what you’re getting for what you’re paying.
Well, Red Lobster’s new owner has plans to make Red Lobster a finer dining experience. From the article:
Red Lobster wants to be seen as a purveyor of quality seafood, so it’s getting rid of some of its promotional discounts and plating dishes higher as is the style at fancy restaurants.
… many people still view Red Lobster as “fine-dining for the middle class.” But the push to change perceptions about the quality of Red Lobster’s food could be a challenge, given recent promotions like “30 shrimp for $11.99,” or a lobster pot pie that had just a half-ounce of lobster meat.
Lopdrup, who served as president of Red Lobster from 2004 to 2011 before moving on to head other aspects of Darden’s business, said he planned to end such steep discounting.
“You’re not going to see any of these low-priced specials that we’re not proud of,” he said.
About two weeks ago, Red Lobster also starting rolling out a new plating style for its fish dishes that will expand to other parts of the menu.
Previously, fish dishes were served on rectangular plates, with the fish, rice and vegetables spread out in separate corners. Now when customers order off the “Fresh Fish” menu, they get a round plate on which slabs of fish are piled over the rice, a vertical presentation commonly found at higher-end establishments.
“The food arranged in a way that’s more like you’d see at a fine-dining restaurant,” Lopdrup said. “The seafood is the star.”
As for the food itself, that hasn’t changed.
Red Lobster released a photo via the AP to show the improved plating. The old plating is on top, and the new (round plate) plating is on the bottom.
The article goes on to state that they will be offering “pricier items” on the menu too upwards of a $30 price point.
Read “Red Lobster tries acting like a fancier restaurant” on Yahoo.
SSMark1 says
You can usually combine 2 coupons if you ask. One a $ off & one a for free appetizer (join the club on their website). Always ask when you order to see if it’s OK. We’ve never had a problem in the past. Plus, we’ve almost always used Red Lobster/Darden gift cards, since Jewel would usually run a deal with a catalina which makes it even that much more of a great deal.
The smaller plate is more covered looking like it’s more food vs. the larger plate. Hopefully the portions size remains the same. We usually had some leftover cheddar bay biscuits & appetizer & meal to take home as well.
Thanks for the post Jill!
-Mark
eztupp says
Reninds me of JC Penny’s. Hope Red Lobster doesn’t get the same results.
SouthernReverie says
I only go to Red Lobster once a year for Lobsterfest. I love the small lobster tails and their lobster pasta dish. It is not cheap, but I consider it a once-a-year splurge, and I usually have a coupon that helps a little. This meal is usually my “reward” for having finished gathering all my income tax information. I will be VERY disappointed if they don’t have Lobsterfest anymore, but I also understand that with customers like me that only patronize them once a year, they can’t stay in business. I may just have to learn to cook those lobster tails myself!