As one of America’s most iconic casual dining chains, Red Lobster needs no introduction Who hasn’t indulged in those addicting Cheddar Bay Biscuits or juicy Admiral’s Feast at some point? But how did this seafood juggernaut get its start? Where was that very first Red Lobster location that launched an empire?
As a nostalgic foodie who loves learning restaurant origin stories, I set out to uncover the history and exact location of the original Red Lobster. Join me as we dive into Red Lobster’s roots and pinpoint their legendary first restaurant in Lakeland, Florida
Red Lobster’s Humble 1967 Roots
Let’s begin at the very start Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by Bill Darden, a successful restaurateur who sought to make delicious seafood accessible to Americans across the country
Prior to launching Red Lobster, Darden operated a handful of independent seafood restaurants in Florida. In 1967, he opened The Green Frog near the Lakeland Airport and tested many of the recipes and values that would define Red Lobster.
The Green Frog offered casual counter service and focused on approachable, affordable seafood dishes the whole family could enjoy. This contrasted the upscale, stuffy seafood restaurants that dominated at the time.
After fine-tuning The Green Frog concept, Darden was ready to launch his seafood chain – Red Lobster.
Original Red Lobster Opens 1968 in Lakeland, FL
The very first Red Lobster opened its doors in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida.
The inaugural location was at 926 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803. This address in downtown Lakeland marks the storied birthplace of the Red Lobster empire.
Darden chose Lakeland for Red Lobster’s debut as he was already familiar with the area and its demographics thanks to his previous restaurant ventures there. Lakeland provided an ideal test market – a middle class inland community Red Lobster could bring affordable seafood to.
The original Red Lobster seated just 140 guests and had no more than 6 menu items: fried shrimp, fried fish, french fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, and of course,freshly baked biscuits.
Despite its humble size and selection, the Lakeland Red Lobster was a smash success. Guests couldn’t get enough of the high-quality seafood served in a relaxed atmosphere.
Steady Early Growth in Florida
Bolstered by the popularity of the Lakeland location, Darden rapidly expanded Red Lobster across Florida over the next couple years.
By 1970, there were already 6 Red Lobster restaurants in Florida: Lakeland, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Melbourne. Darden led all operations from their new headquarters in Orlando.
Red Lobster’s early Florida success caught the attention of corporate giant General Mills. They acquired the chain in 1970 and provided the resources for dramatic nationwide expansion in the 1970s and 80s.
But it all traced back to Lakeland – Darden’s proving grounds for the Red Lobster concept. Everything from the nautical decor, friendly service ethos to the core seafood recipes emerged at that original location.
What Stands at the Original Site Today?
So what occupies the hallowed original Red Lobster site at 926 S. Florida Ave in Lakeland today?
Sadly, the pioneering restaurant structure no longer stands. It was demolished in the early 1980s. However, a monument and plaque commemorating the first Red Lobster was erected in its place.
Today, the lot at 926 S. Florida Ave remains empty. Surrounding buildings include small local businesses and offices. It’s hard to imagine this quiet stretch of asphalt used to house Red Lobster’s wild inception!
But the spirit of Darden’s vision lives on. Red Lobster has grown to over 700 locations globally, but Lakeland, Florida will always be part of the chain’s origin story.
Original Red Lobster Lasting Legacy
It’s incredible to reflect on just how far Red Lobster has come from that tiny 6-item menu at their first restaurant. Today they rake in over $2 billion annually!
Some key legacies of the original Red Lobster that still define the chain 50+ years later:
Affordable, Approachable Seafood – No longer just for special occasions or coastal dwellers, Red Lobster opened seafood up to middle America.
Family-Friendly Focus – Kid’s menus, casual counters and inclusive service made Red Lobster a welcome spot for the whole family.
Nautical Theming – The first restaurant established Red Lobster’s signature decorative flair of dark woods, fishing nets and lobster traps.
Biscuits! – Those freshly baked Cheddar Bay biscuits have been winning over guests since day one in Lakeland.
So while the OG Lakeland building is physically gone, its fingerprints remain all over Red Lobster. The next time I’m waiting for my Crispy Shrimp Basket, I’ll be sure to raise a biscuit to old 926 S. Florida Ave and the birth of an American institution.
Visiting the Original Red Lobster Site
While the building itself no longer exists, visiting the original Red Lobster address in Lakeland, Florida remains a fun pilgrimage for die-hard foodies and Red Lobster fans.
If you want to check it out, the key details are:
Address: 926 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
What You’ll Find: A memorial plaque and empty lot where the restaurant once stood. Surrounding local businesses in Lakeland’s small downtown.
When to Visit: Anytime! Though Lakeland summers are very hot and humid, so spring or fall are ideal.
What Else to See: Downtown Lakeland has some museums, shops and cafes to explore. The city’s famous swans live on Lake Morton nearby.
Make a day of it by hitting up the original Red Lobster address along with other Lakeland attractions to fully appreciate Red Lobster’s place in local history.
Red Lobster Lives On
Tracking down the site of Red Lobster’s first restaurant reminds us how even national giants start off as humble local businesses.
While so much has changed over 50 years, the core values Bill Darden instilled at his first Lakeland restaurant endure today. Red Lobster remains dedicated to bringing quality seafood, warm hospitality and good value to every neighborhood they serve.
So next time you’re digging into one of their crave-worthy feasts, from Popcorn Shrimp to Ultimate Feast, take a moment to appreciate how far Red Lobster has come from that little 6-item cafe in Florida. Here’s to celebrating the roots of an American institution!
Everything we do is a celebration of seafood – from how we source our fish and shellfish to serving up new ways for you to enjoy it. Since 1968, we’ve been committed to bringing you a seafood experience you won’t find anywhere else. That’s how we Sea Food Differently®.
Because we want to give you the best, all of the seafood we serve comes from sources that can be tracked, are good for the environment, and are responsible. Learn More.
We began as a single, family-run restaurant in Lakeland, Florida. But we wanted to share our love of seafood with more people.
World’s First Red Lobster Restaurant Is In Florida – Yes, Red Lobster Closing Nation Wide!
Where is Red Lobster located?
Red Lobster Hospitality, LLC is an American casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
Where did the Red Lobster Inn originate?
The Red Lobster Inn (the original name) originated in Lakeland, Florida, in 1968. With Gary’s Duck Inn holding down Orlando, the group looked elsewhere in the Sunshine State. Lakeland, Florida, almost half-way between Orlando and Tampa, and 40 miles from the ocean, was chosen as the location.
What is the original Red Lobster?
THE ORIGINAL Red Lobster was conceived by a group of veteran restaurant men who believed that people would appreciate a sit-down seafood restaurant where they could enjoy good quality food at reasonable prices in friendly, informal surroundings.
How many Red Lobster locations are there in Florida?
What was once a single, family-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida, now has over 700 locations around the world. FRESH SEAFOOD FOR EVERYONE Bill Darden opens the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida. BUSINESS BOOMS Red Lobster catches the attention of General Mills.