Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp promotion is one of the most popular seasonal specials at the seafood chain For a fixed price, customers can enjoy unlimited servings of breaded and grilled shrimp preparations
But with such an indulgent offer on the table, questions arise around sharing and getting the most value Namely – can you share Endless Shrimp with others at your table?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sharing and maximizing Red Lobster’s famous Endless Shrimp, including:
- Red Lobster’s official sharing policy
- Recommended strategies for sharing shrimp
- Tips from former employees
- The economics behind the promotion
- Endless Shrimp ordering guidelines
- How to pace yourself for maximum shrimp
- Dealing with leftover shrimp
Here’s how to enjoy Endless Shrimp to the fullest when dining with family or friends,
Red Lobster’s Policy on Sharing Endless Shrimp
According to Red Lobster, sharing Endless Shrimp is perfectly fine, within reason. The promotion is designed for individuals to enjoy unlimited shrimp. However, they understand guests wanting to share with others at their table.
Some key Endless Shrimp sharing guidelines per Red Lobster:
- Sharing is allowed with up to 4 people total at the table.
- All guests at the table must be active participants in the meal.
- No sharing with neighboring or random tables.
- Servers can refuse shrimp if sharing appears excessive.
- To-go boxes will not be provided for leftover shrimp.
So feel free to enjoy Endless Shrimp with a few friends or family members. Just don’t go overboard or try to stockpile shrimp for later.
Strategies for Sharing Endless Shrimp Sensibly
To make the most of the promotion within Red Lobster’s sharing policy, here are some strategic tips:
- Split the number of Endless Shrimp orders based on table size. For four people, order two shrimp baskets total.
- Take turns ordering shrimp rounds. Don’t flood the server all at once.
- Order extra side dishes to share.
- Get different shrimp preparations to mix things up.
- Let the person who doesn’t care for shrimp order a different entrée.
- Order shrimp cocktails as additional appetizers.
- Pace yourselves over the course of your meal.
Being reasonable and strategic allows everyone can get in on the shrimp frenzy fun!
Insider Tips from Former Red Lobster Employees
Having worked behind the scenes, former Red Lobster employees have shared their perspectives on Endless Shrimp sharing:
- Servers know when tables are abusing the promotion and may refuse service.
- Guests would try to sneak out ziplock bags, get to-go boxes, or hide shrimp in purses. This is not allowed.
- Ordering 4+ servings for a table of 2-3 people is a red flag for servers.
- When in doubt, servers will consult the manager about shrimp sharing.
- Weekday lunch diners were more reasonable than weekend dinner crowds.
- They recommend designating one person to order shrimp rounds for the table.
The key takeaway is to follow the policy and be considerate when sharing shrimp. Moderation is key to keep the kitchen and servers happy!
The Economics Behind Endless Shrimp for Red Lobster
On the business side, Endless Shrimp is an effective promotional strategy for Red Lobster. Even with heavy eaters going wild on shrimp, the profit margins are in the chain’s favor.
Some insights on how Endless Shrimp benefits Red Lobster economically:
- Many customers fill up after 2-3 rounds of shrimp.
- Servers can control pace and quantity of shrimp ordering.
- Most shrimp rounds are not eaten fully, leading to food waste.
- Promotion gets customers in the door who will buy drinks and sides.
- Higher profit margins on shrimp dishes compared to other menu items.
- Generates buzz and social media engagement for the chain.
So don’t feel guilty about potential over-indulgence. Red Lobster likely comes out ahead regardless.
Endless Shrimp Ordering and Eating Guidelines
To make your Endless Shrimp experience smooth, keep these ordering tips in mind:
- Stick to one Endless Shrimp dish per order. Mixing choices can complicate timing.
- Order sides up front with your initial shrimp round.
- Let your server know you are interested in Endless Shrimp when greeting them.
- Finish a full round before ordering another. Don’t stack new rounds.
- Ask for grilled shrimp if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
- Take a break between rounds by enjoying cocktails, salad, or biscuits.
Following proper ordering etiquette sets you up for endless feasting!
Pacing Yourself for Maximum Shrimp Intake
Don’t undermine the bottomless promise of Endless Shrimp! Here are some tips for pacing yourself:
- Alternate shrimp rounds with sides, salad, and biscuits.
- Opt for grilled shrimp if breaded is too heavy.
- Split rounds over multiple smaller plates.
- Take part of the round home if you get full.
- Stay hydrated with water and drinks between rounds.
- Bring antacids if you’re prone to indigestion!
With smart pacing, you can keep the shrimp train going all meal long.
Dealing with the Inevitable Leftover Shrimp
Even with reasonable sharing and pacing, you’ll likely end up with leftover shrimp. Here’s how to handle the aftermath:
- Accept that leftovers are part of the process. Enjoy them later.
- Use leftover shrimp in pasta, sandwiches, tacos, and stir fries within a few days.
- Remove tails and chop shrimp to spread usage across multiple dishes.
- Freeze breaded shrimp for up to 3 months if needed. It will lose texture though.
- Turn excess shrimp into lobster rolls, shrimp salad, or baked shrimp dip.
Get creative with your leftovers. Waste not, want not!
Make the Most of Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp
Hopefully this guide gives you a game plan to maximize your next Endless Shrimp experience without getting shut down by Red Lobster. Follow their sharing policy, order strategically, pace yourself, and have plans for leftovers.
Most importantly, have fun and indulge in one of Red Lobster’s most popular seasonal promotions. Just maybe wear some stretchy pants!
Let us know your Endless Shrimp tips and tricks in the comments.
The Truth About Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp
How does Red Lobster’s endless shrimp promotion work?
Here‘s a quick rundown of how Red Lobster‘s Endless Shrimp promotion works: You pay a fixed price that covers your meal, including shrimp and sides. The price is often $17.99 – $24.99 depending on location. You‘ll get unlimited plates of grilled, fried, or sauteed shrimp prepared in different styles.
Does Red Lobster have endless shrimp?
Last summer, Red Lobster made $20 endless shrimp a permanent menu item. Endless shrimp was a successful annual limited-time offer for Red Lobster for 20 years.
Why did Red Lobster sell endless shrimp?
Endless shrimp was a successful annual limited-time offer for Red Lobster for 20 years. But Red Lobster’s latest major shareholder, Thai Union, a Bangkok-based canned seafood company, saw the promotion as a way to sell off the mountains of shrimp it was catching and turned it into an everyday item.
Did Red Lobster really offer $20 shrimp?
Above, a restaurant in North Miami, Fla. Red Lobster promised customers an endless supply of shrimp for $20 — a gamble the struggling restaurant chain hoped would help pull it out of its pandemic doldrums. But Americans, and their appetites, had other plans.