You Won't Find A Single Red Lobster Restaurant In These 6 States

In a surprising twist to its celebrated legacy, Red Lobster has undergone a series of transformative changes that are capturing national attention. With a fresh new CEO at the helm and menu updates that take on classic seafood favorites, the brand is reimagining its identity. However, for residents of Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, these exciting updates remain tantalizingly out of reach. Despite the buzz, no Red Lobster locations have been established in these six states, leaving seafood enthusiasts in these areas unable to experience the refreshed dining journey firsthand.

The goal is to delight loyal customers and attract new patrons, but for these states, the promise of a new seafood culture is nothing more than a distant aspiration. And that's especially strange considering the established history of fishing in these areas. New England has long been known for its rich fisheries, dating back to the colonial era, when states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island thrived on fresh seafood from the Atlantic. Even Alaska, home to some of the most abundant seafood harvests in the country, is without a single Red Lobster. For a brand built on seafood, skipping over these historically fish-rich regions seems like an odd choice, though the region has plenty of local seafood restaurants to fill in the gaps.

While the absence of Red Lobster restaurants might have some feeling left out — there are plenty of creative ways to satisfy your cravings. One option is to embark on a short road trip to the nearest Red Lobster location. Turning the journey into a mini-vacation not only offers a taste of the revamped menu but also provides a fun excuse to explore new places and enjoy scenic routes along the way. For those who prefer a homebound adventure, recreating Red Lobster dishes can be both enjoyable and rewarding. 

Try whipping up a homemade shrimp scampi that captures the essence of the restaurant's signature flavors, or bake a batch of warm, buttery, cheesy biscuits to get that classic Red Lobster experience without leaving your kitchen. And if cooking from scratch isn't your thing, you're in luck — select Red Lobster frozen menu items and its signature biscuit mix can be found in major grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger as well as some small local grocers. You can check RedLobsterAtHome.com to find store locations in your state. Ultimately, whether you choose to travel, cook at home, or hunt for retail finds, the spirit of Red Lobster's seafood experience remains within reach — no restaurant required.