Red Lobster is having trouble and is closing up to 135 more US restaurants. People all over the country are losing cheddar bay biscuits and all-you-can-eat seafood deals.
Black customers formed a loyal base for the brand and still make up a larger share of customers than at other major casual chain restaurants, according to historians, customers, and former Red Lobster executives. The company’s decline is especially sad for these customers.
“Red Lobster cultivated Black customers. It has not shied away from that customer base like some brands have,” Clarence Otis Jr. told CNN that he was CEO of Darden Restaurants from 2004 to 2014, when the company still owned the chain.
Mardeio Cannon, a columnist for the Sacramento Observer, wrote that it was “only fitting” that Red Lobster had a Black CEO because “if there is any restaurant in America that most African Americans love, it’s Red Lobster.” ”.
During a presentation to investors in 2015, Red Lobster said that 26% of its customers were Black, which is two percentage points more than the Black population proportion in the US. Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s request for comment on current customer demographics.
From its start in the South in the late 1960s, the chain hired black people and served black customers. Black celebrities like Chris Rock and Nicki Minaj worked there before they were famous. Minej later joked with Jimmy Fallon over “Lobsterita” drinks and cheddar bay biscuits that she had been fired from “all three or four” of the Red Lobsters where she had worked. Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Formation,” which talks about police brutality, Hurricane Katrina, and Black culture in America, also has a line about taking a date to Red Lobster.
Professor of Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America,” Marcia Chatelain said that during the 1970s and 1980s, both working-class and wealthy Black people went to Red Lobster. This was at a time when many sit-down restaurants were not welcoming of Black customers.
Red Lobster’s early locations near shopping malls also helped it grow with Black customers, she said.
“Putting Red Lobster stores near shopping malls happened at the same time that African Americans had more shopping options after the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” she wrote in an email. “This type of restaurant was appealing to people who wanted a fine dining experience but didn’t want to worry about how they would be treated at local businesses.” ”.
Founded by Bill Darden, Red Lobster was racially integrated when it opened in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida.
Not hiring and helping Black people wasn’t a big deal for Darden, and he wasn’t the first person to see it as a chance. But it was another marker of racial progress for Black people in Lakeland and the changing South. In Lakeland in the early 1960s, civil rights activists picketed stores and movie theaters that wouldn’t let Black people in, forcing them to integrate.
Even though Red Lobster opened four years after the Civil Rights Act required public places to stop being segregated, many schools and businesses were still divided along racial lines. Some closed rather than integrate.
Beverly Boatwright, who was involved in the sit-in movement in Lakeland while going to an all-black high school, said that Red Lobster was “always very open and receptive to us.” Her mother was a leader in the local NAACP branch. “We never had a problem at Red Lobster. There were other places where we did have struggles” in the city.
But Black people in Lakeland didn’t always like Red Lobster, and the story of Darden as a civil rights leader that has grown over the past few years isn’t as true as it seems.
Harold Dwight, who graduated two years after Boatwright in 1968, said that Red Lobster wasn’t a place that “we went to a lot” in its early years. Most Black residents did not have the means to go out to eat, Dwight said. There were places run by Black people that they went to, as well as Morrison’s Cafeteria, the biggest cafeteria chain in the South, which had been integrated for a while and had more Black employees.
Darden’s first restaurant, the Green Frog, which opened in Waycross, Georgia, in 1938, is said to have been desegregated. A number of articles have praised Darden as a “social crusader” who “stood up to Jim Crow” and “defied” segregation laws. The company website for Darden Restaurants talks about the Green Frog and says that the restaurant’s founder “welcomed all guests to his tables.” ”.
But Black people who grew up in Waycross and remember the Green Frog, which closed in the 1980s, say that Black people were not welcome to eat there at first.
John Fluker, who used to be mayor of Waycross, said that Black people worked in the kitchen but were not welcome at the Green Frog.
The Green Frog reflected the racial norms of the time in south Georgia, said Waycross resident Horace Thomas.
Even though Black people didn’t go to Red Lobster right away, the chain slowly gained Black customers as it grew in the South and across the country.
Historians and former executives say that Red Lobster became known for being welcoming and friendly to Black customers in part because it hired Black staff when a new restaurant opened. The company later created marketing plans to attract Black customers.
Walter King was hired by Red Lobster in 1971 to run a restaurant. He was one of the first Black people to work for the company and stayed with it for 36 years. Red Lobster later named one of its signature dishes after King: “Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. ” King died last year.
“They’ve been loyal to us and we’ve been loyal to them,” Beverly Boatwright said. “We went there because the food was delicious. It was the only place you could get good seafood. It was a luxury. ”.
Professor of sociology at Wesleyan University Robyn Autry says that outdoor fish fries with catfish, crawfish, and other seafood have been a popular tradition in Black communities. Autry studies race and recently wrote about how Red Lobster’s demise “hits differently” for Black communities.
Red Lobster brought the “outdoor fried fish experience” indoors, Autry said. For many Black people, going from fish fries outside to sitting down with menus and being served became a sign of social status. ” Ad Feedback Ad Feedback.
Red Lobster has become one of America’s most beloved restaurant chains known for serving up delicious and affordable seafood in a casual dining atmosphere. But alongside the Cheddar Bay Biscuits and Admiral’s Feasts there’s another iconic part of the Red Lobster experience – Walt, the brand’s distinctive mascot. Spot his smiling bearded face on menus or merchandise in the restaurant, and you may find yourself wondering – who exactly is Walt at Red Lobster?
As a loyal Red Lobster customer myself, I was intrigued by the history of this charming logo. So I did some digging to uncover the story behind this seafood-loving icon. Here’s the inside scoop on Walt and his role as the public face of everyone’s favorite chain for crab lobster, and shrimp.
The Origins of Walt
Walt was created in 1994 by Red Lobster’s marketing team as an original mascot for the brand. He was devised to personify the quintessential Red Lobster dining experience – friendly, approachable, and passionate about seafood.
With his nautical red, white and blue attire, warm smile, and neatly trimmed beard, Walt presents himself as a distinguished seafood aficionado who cares deeply about the quality of ingredients and sharing great meals with guests. He represents the joy of dining out and connection over good food.
Why a Brand Mascot?
Mascots are powerful marketing tools for brands. They put a recognizable face and personality to a company, making it more relatable and memorable for consumers. Walt gives Red Lobster a competitive edge in the crowded restaurant industry by making the brand feel familiar, wholesome, and welcoming.
He’s not modeled after a real person – Walt is 100% fictional, dreamt up by the creative marketing team. He joins the ranks of other famous brand mascots like Ronald McDonald, Mr. Clean, and the Kool-Aid Man.
Spotting Walt In the Wild
Today, you can find images of Walt incorporated throughout the Red Lobster restaurants and branding. He appears on menus, website graphics, signage, employee uniforms, collectible merchandise like t-shirts or pins, and even starring in national TV ads.
He doesn’t have his own social media accounts, but Walt is frequently featured on the chain’s Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Basically, he pops up anywhere Red Lobster wants to remind customers of its signature warm, welcoming vibe.
I always keep an eye out for Walt when I visit my local Red Lobster. There’s something nostalgic about seeing his kind face on a menu or looking down at me from a poster on the wall. It reassures me I’m in for a good meal.
What’s Walt’s Personality and Backstory?
Walt doesn’t have a complex backstory or personality profile. He’s more of a feel-good icon representing Red Lobster’s ideals than a fully fleshed-out mascot character. But we can infer a few things about Walt based on his depictions:
- Passionate about seafood – especially lobster!
- Cares about guests getting a high-quality dining experience
- Loves exploring exciting new recipes and ingredients
- Represents hospitality, warmth, and comfort
- Enjoys teaching people about seafood and ocean conservation
- Likely an experienced sea captain or sailor
While the details may be left up to our imaginations, it’s clear Walt is the embodiment of Red Lobster – nautical, friendly, and all about savoring well-prepared seafood.
Walt in Pop Culture
Walt has permeated pop culture enough to get some fun shout-outs and parodies over the years. He’s been featured in memes, comedy sketches, and internet discussions:
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An SNL spoof commercial portrayed Walt hilariously brought to life in a suit getting overexcited about Red Lobster’s deals.
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There are amusing TikTok videos imaging Walt as an actual waiter at Red Lobster going about his day.
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Walt is a bit of an internet meme, with people making jokes about what his full name might be (“Walter” seems popular) or creating silly captions imagining his inner thoughts.
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Reddit threads and comedy sites have playfully speculated about Walt’s unknown backstory, like imagining he was a former sea captain.
So even though he’s not a “real” person, Walt has developed a fan base and pop culture presence! People connect with this lovable seafood expert.
The Future of Walt
For over 25 years now, Walt has served as a staple of Red Lobster’s branding. He has instantiated himself as a nostalgic icon that draws people into the restaurants.
I think Walt has major staying power as the chain’s mascot. His warm, welcoming vibe aligns perfectly with Red Lobster’s mission to make seafood dining accessible and approachable. As long as Red Lobster wants to promote its signature hospitality, Walt will be there as the face of the brand we know and love.
He may just be a fictional cartoon, but there’s something special about Walt. He represents everything I enjoy about the Red Lobster experience – friendly service, nautical theming, and of course, delicious crab, lobster and shrimp! So next time you see Walt while dining at Red Lobster, take a moment to appreciate this iconic mascot.
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Fear & Greed Index
Red Lobster is having trouble and is closing up to 135 more US restaurants. People all over the country are losing cheddar bay biscuits and all-you-can-eat seafood deals.
Black customers formed a loyal base for the brand and still make up a larger share of customers than at other major casual chain restaurants, according to historians, customers, and former Red Lobster executives. The company’s decline is especially sad for these customers.
“Red Lobster cultivated Black customers. It has not shied away from that customer base like some brands have,” Clarence Otis Jr. told CNN that he was CEO of Darden Restaurants from 2004 to 2014, when the company still owned the chain.
Mardeio Cannon, a columnist for the Sacramento Observer, wrote that it was “only fitting” that Red Lobster had a Black CEO because “if there is any restaurant in America that most African Americans love, it’s Red Lobster.” ”.
During a presentation to investors in 2015, Red Lobster said that 26% of its customers were Black, which is two percentage points more than the Black population proportion in the US. Red Lobster did not respond to CNN’s request for comment on current customer demographics.
The chain hired Black workers and served Black guests from its beginnings in the South in the late 1960s, and Black celebrities such as Chris Rock and Nicki Minaj worked there before they became famous. (Minaj later joked about being fired from “all three or four” of the Red Lobsters where she worked over “Lobsterita” drinks and cheddar bay biscuits with Jimmy Fallon.) And Beyoncé sang about taking a romantic partner to Red Lobster in her 2016 song “Formation,” which addresses police brutality, Hurricane Katrina and Black culture in America.
Professor of Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America,” Marcia Chatelain said that during the 1970s and 1980s, both working-class and wealthy Black people went to Red Lobster. This was at a time when many sit-down restaurants were not welcoming of Black customers.
Red Lobster’s early locations near shopping malls also helped it grow with Black customers, she said.
“Putting Red Lobster stores near shopping malls happened at the same time that African Americans had more shopping options after the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” she wrote in an email. “This type of restaurant was appealing to people who wanted a fine dining experience but didn’t want to worry about how they would be treated at local businesses.” ”.
Founded by Bill Darden, Red Lobster was racially integrated when it opened in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida.
Hiring and serving Black people was not a revolutionary step by Darden, and he certainly was far from the first to leap at the opportunity. But it was another marker of racial progress for Black people in Lakeland and the changing South. In Lakeland during the early 1960s, local civil rights activists picketed businesses and movie theaters that denied entry to Black patrons, forcing them to integrate.
Even though Red Lobster opened four years after the Civil Rights Act required public places to stop being segregated, many schools and businesses were still divided along racial lines. Some closed rather than integrate.
Red Lobster was “always very open and receptive to us,” said Beverly Boatwright, who was active in the sit-in movement in Lakeland while attending the all-Black high school, along with her mother, a leader in the local branch of the NAACP. “We never had a problem at Red Lobster. There were other places where we did have struggles” in the city.
But Red Lobster was not immediately a popular spot with Black customers in Lakeland, and the mythology of Darden as a civil rights pioneer that has grown in recent years has been overstated.
Harold Dwight, who graduated two years after Boatwright in 1968, said that Red Lobster wasn’t a place that “we went to a lot” in its early years. Most Black residents did not have the means to go out to eat, Dwight said. There were places run by Black people that they went to, as well as Morrison’s Cafeteria, the biggest cafeteria chain in the South, which had been integrated for a while and had more Black employees.
In corporate lore, Darden’s first restaurant, the Green Frog —which opened in 1938 in Waycross, Georgia — was desegregated. Darden has been lauded in various articles as a “social crusader” “who [stood] up to Jim Crow” in “defiance” of segregation laws. On Darden Restaurants’ corporate website, the company mentions the Green Frog and says its founder “welcomed all guests to his tables.”
But Black people who grew up in Waycross and remember the Green Frog, which closed in the 1980s, say that Black people were not welcome to eat there at first.
John Fluker, who used to be mayor of Waycross, said that Black people worked in the kitchen but were not welcome at the Green Frog.
The Green Frog reflected the racial norms of the time in south Georgia, said Waycross resident Horace Thomas.
“They didn’t open the doors for Black people,” he said. “Everybody was like that.”
Even though Black people didn’t go to Red Lobster right away, the chain slowly gained Black customers as it grew in the South and across the country.
Historians and former executives say that Red Lobster became known for being welcoming and friendly to Black customers in part because it hired Black staff when a new restaurant opened. The company later created marketing plans to attract Black customers.
Walter King was hired by Red Lobster in 1971 to run a restaurant. He was one of the first Black people to work for the company and stayed with it for 36 years. Red Lobster later named one of its signature dishes after King: “Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. ” King died last year.
“They’ve been loyal to us and we’ve been loyal to them,” Beverly Boatwright said. “We went there because the food was delicious. It was the only place you could get good seafood. It was a luxury. ”.
Red Lobster’s cuisine was also a major part of its popularity with Black diners.
Outdoor fish fries with catfish, crawfish and other seafood have served as a popular tradition in Black communities, said Robyn Autry, a sociology professor at Wesleyan University who studies race and wrote recently on how Red Lobster’s downfall “hits differently” for Black communities.
Red Lobster brought the “outdoor fried fish experience” indoors, Autry said. For many Black people, going from fish fries outside to sitting down with menus and being served became a sign of social status. ” Ad Feedback Ad Feedback.
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp Red Lobster Ultimate Endless Shrimp 2022
Where is Red Lobster located?
Red Lobster Hospitality, LLC is an American casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Orlando, Florida.
Who owned Red Lobster at some point?
At some point, General Mills owned Red Lobster. Within two years of serving up its first lobsters, Darden had grown the restaurant from a single location to three restaurants.
Did Chris Rock work at Red Lobster?
RED LOBSTER was the place where Chris Rock worked before he made it big. Comedian Chris Rock said he worked in the back of the restaurant, clearing plates and scraping shrimp into the garbage can before loading up the dishwasher.
When was Red Lobster founded?
Red Lobster has been serving up the catch of the day since the late ‘60s. Before Red Lobster, there was The Green Frog. Red Lobster was founded by Bill Darden in the late ‘60s, but his restaurant career began earlier when he launched a small lunch counter named The Green Frog in 1937.