Red Lobster controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Thai Union supply-chain and promotion allegations
Reporting and bankruptcy-related accounts alleged that Thai Union increased control over shrimp sourcing and promoted an aggressively priced shrimp offer that damaged Red Lobster’s finances. The accounts also alleged that inventory and supplier decisions benefited Thai Union while weakening the restaurant company. These claims were part of broader reporting and were not presented here as independently adjudicated findings.
2021
Red Lobster sued over sustainability claims
Lawsuit filed
A southern California woman filed suit against Red Lobster, alleging that its claims that Maine lobster is traceable, sustainable and responsibly sourced are false. The suit also challenges the standards for shrimp served by the chain. Red Lobster declined to comment on the suit and said it stands behind its Seafood with Standards program. The allegations are not presented as a court determination.
Company response
Denial — Red Lobster
A Red lobster spokesman declined comment on the suit, but in an email said that the company stands behind its "Seafood with Standards" program.
Source excerpt
The suit highlights a Red Lobster menu that includes a claim of "traceable," "sustainable" and "responsible." The filing says that's a false claim
A southern California woman backed by a class action law firm is suing the Red Lobster restaurant chain for deceptive advertising in federal court, saying it is falsely claims lobster from Maine is a sustainable fishery that follows the highest standards.
2020
Red Lobster apologizes for Mother's Day service problems
Company response
Red Lobster's CEO apologized after customers reported long waits and missing Mother's Day pickup and delivery orders during the holiday weekend. The company said it received more online orders than ever in a single day and that some restaurants could not keep up with the volume.
Red Lobster’s CEO apologized after customers reported long waits and missing Mother’s Day pickup and delivery orders during the holiday weekend. The company said it received more online orders than ever in a single day and that some restaurants could not keep up with the volume.
Company response
Apology — Red Lobster
Red Lobster’s CEO apologized on Tuesday after several customers complained that their Mother’s Days were ruined by widespread service mishaps caused by the novel coronavirus over the holiday weekend, FOX Business has learned.
Remediation — Red Lobster
"We will also review and improve our social distancing procedures to better handle situations where we have higher than expected volume," he said
Source excerpt
Red Lobster’s CEO apologized on Tuesday after several customers complained that their Mother’s Days were ruined by widespread service mishaps caused by the novel coronavirus over the holiday weekend, FOX Business has learned.
We received significantly more online orders than we have ever gotten in a single day, and despite preparing for a spike in demand on Mother’s Day, some of our restaurants were unable to keep up with the volume.
2016
Lobster bisque ingredient controversy
Inside Edition reported that Red Lobster’s lobster bisque included less expensive langostino along with Maine lobster. The report prompted scrutiny of ingredient labeling and consumer expectations around the dish’s name.