Stockton residents might soon have to say goodbye to their local Red Lobster, famous for its Lobster Linguini and Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The beloved seafood establishment at 2283 W. March Ln. is among 129 Red Lobster restaurants nationwide that are currently at risk of shutting down, as reported by USA TODAY.
The potential closures come amidst financial struggles for the chain, with Red Lobster's website indicating that 99 locations have already closed across 28 states. Some of these locations have even seen their kitchen equipment auctioned off through an online restaurant liquidator. The recent closures are part of a broader pattern of financial difficulties, including issues with renegotiating leases as disclosed in bankruptcy documents filed in late May.
Stockton's Red Lobster continues to operate with its regular hours, opening from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and extending an hour later until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the future of this location hangs in the balance, along with other California locations such as those in Salinas and San Jose, and six others, rounding out the list of nine Red Lobster establishments in the state potentially facing closure.
Local patrons and seafood enthusiasts will be closely watching the outcome of the lease renegotiations in hopes that Stockton’s Red Lobster can avoid the fate of its closed counterparts. As of now, Red Lobster has not issued a statement regarding the potential closures.