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For years, Red Lobster has been one of America's most popular seafood restaurants. Families consistently dine here, loading up on delicious, filling meals that keep them coming back for more. Snow crab, shrimp, bay scallops, and (of course) lobster are some of the most popular items on the menu.

Red Lobster exists not just here in the states, but also in several other countries including Japan, Mexico, and Turkey. Unfortunately for the restaurant's American fans, finding a local Red Lobster is about to become more difficult.

Just earlier today, news broke that dozens of Red Lobster locations are shutting down across the nation.

What led to this decision?

The choice to park multiple restaurant locations appears to have come from the Red Lobster parent company, Thai Union Group. Rickey Williams Jr., the mayor of Danville, Illinois, recently confirmed this.

Taking to Facebook, he stated local managers of the seafood establishment informed him of the restaurants' closures. Williams also revealed that "without notice," many employees working at Red Lobster found themselves laid off as all impacted establishments shut down.

This isn't just happening in Illinois. Restaurants in California, Colorado, Maryland, Texas, and Florida have also undergone abrupt closures. Impacted Red Lobster locations' hours are now listed online as "closed."

As for the equipment in the restaurants, that's quickly being sold off. Some of the auctions are happening virtually via TAGeX Brands.

Horrible timing for many Red Lobster employees

The demise of multiple Red Lobster restaurants comes at a terrible period for many workers. Across the country, more businesses have started laying off employees, due to changes in consumer spending habits and inflation.

Within the past several years, Red Lobster's seen significant turnover in its CEO, CFO, and other high-level positions. Just in 2023, the company launched an Ultimate Endless Shrimp deal on their menu; though it failed to garner the expected revenue. In fact, during last year's third quarter, Red Lobster documented its $11+ million operating loss.

News concerning this turn of events is spreading quickly online. Many Americans feel taken aback, as there were no warning signs of Red Lobster's impending closures.