Damola Adamolekun Leads Red Lobster’s Turnaround

Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, is leading a high-stakes comeback following the chain’s 2024 bankruptcy. With a focus on value, service, and social media-driven menu innovation, Adamolekun is reshaping the brand’s future.

A New Chapter for Red Lobster

In September 2024, Red Lobster emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and named Damola Adamolekun its new CEO. Backed by Fortress Investment Group, Adamolekun—formerly of P.F. Chang’s—is on a mission to restore the seafood chain’s relevance and profitability (Nassauer, 2024).

Strategic Shifts

Adamolekun quickly ended unprofitable promotions like “Endless Shrimp” and launched viral menu items such as customizable seafood boils. By listening to guest feedback on platforms like TikTok, he swiftly added new flavors and spice levels (Kunkel, 2025).

Service, Not Just Seafood

The turnaround extends beyond food. Adamolekun emphasized hospitality, implementing training where staff guide guests personally. “You escort a guest to the bathroom—you don’t just point,” he told The Los Angeles Times (Khouri, 2025).

Why It Matters

Adamolekun’s strategy blends cultural fluency, operational reform, and digital responsiveness—an approach especially resonant with younger, diverse diners hungry for authentic engagement and value.

Call to Action

Support the comeback. Visit Red Lobster to try their new seafood boils and share your thoughts with #LobsterNation. Let’s help shape the future of legacy brands.

References

Khouri, A. (2025, June 16). Red Lobster’s CEO wins back diners with new menu, friendlier service. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-06-16/red-lobster-ceo-wins-back-diners-with-new-menu-friendlier-service

Kunkel, A. (2025, July 17). Red Lobster’s seafood boils are going viral — here’s why they work. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/red-lobster-seafood-boil-review-photos-2025-7

Nassauer, S. (2024, September 30). Red Lobster exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy with new owners, CEO. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/red-lobster-exits-chapter-11-bankruptcy-with-new-owners-ceo-06b7aec6