Red Lobster is owned by Thai Union Group
Founded: January 18, 1968
Country of origin: USA
Industry: Restaurants
Headquarters: Orlando, Florida, USA
Owner: Thai Union Group
Type of Company: Subsidiary
Website: www.redlobster.com
Current Owner of Red Lobster
Red Lobster is currently owned by Thailand-based seafood conglomerate Thai Union Group. Thai Union acquired 25% of the company in 2016, and bought the remaining 75% in 2020 from Golden Gate Capital.
Red Lobster Ownership History
- 1968: Red Lobster was founded by Bill Darden and Charley Woodsby in Lakeland, Florida.
- 1970: General Mills, an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, acquired Red Lobster, expanding the brand nationally.
- 1995: Red Lobster became part of Darden Restaurants, Inc., a new company formed by a spin-off of General Mills’ restaurant holdings.
- 2014: Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, acquired Red Lobster from Darden Restaurants in a deal valued at approximately $2.1 billion.
- 2016: Thai Union Group, a global seafood leader based in Thailand, acquired a minority stake in Red Lobster.
- 2020: Thai Union Group acquires the remaining shares of the company, becoming 100% owner.
Red Lobster Operations
Red Lobster operates as a casual dining restaurant chain, focusing on seafood including fish, shellfish, and other ocean-based dishes. The menu also features a range of options such as pasta, steaks, and chicken for those who prefer non-seafood items.
The restaurants usually offer lunch and dinner services, with a few locations providing brunch options. Red Lobster is known for its themed decor, reflecting a New England-style seafood restaurant ambiance. The chain is recognized for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits, served complimentary with meals. Red Lobster aims to provide a higher-end dining experience compared to fast-food establishments, with a focus on quality seafood and an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
Red Lobster Locations
Red Lobster operates a total of 651 locations in 44 states across the United States, as well as in Guam and Puerto Rico.
In recent years, the company has expanded beyond the United States, and has restaurants in the following countries:
- China
- Canada
- Ecuador
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Philippines
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
Red Lobster Competitors
Red Lobster faces a lot of competition, particularly in the American market, where it is the most established. Here’s a list of those companies operating in the same segment, with or without seafood.
Olive Garden
Best known for its Italian-American cuisine, is a significant competitor, primarily due to its broad appeal and extensive presence across the United States. While it focuses on Italian dishes, its menu also includes a variety of seafood options, positioning it as a direct competitor in the seafood dining sector.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Another formidable rival, offers a menu centered around steaks but also features a selection of seafood dishes. This diversity in menu options attracts a wide range of customers, including those who might alternatively choose seafood-focused restaurants like Red Lobster.
Joe’s Crab Shack
This is perhaps the more direct competitor to Red Lobster, specializing in seafood and particularly known for its crab offerings. With a fun, casual atmosphere and a seafood-centric menu, Joe’s Crab Shack competes closely with Red Lobster for a similar target market.