Did Red Lobster Get Rid of Coconut Shrimp?

Coconut shrimp has long been a signature menu item at Red Lobster. The jumbo shrimp coated in flaky coconut breading and served with a sweet orange marmalade dipping sauce has been a customer favorite for over 30 years. However, recent reports have suggested that financial issues forced Red Lobster to discontinue coconut shrimp. Is this true? Let’s find out.

The History of Coconut Shrimp at Red Lobster

Red Lobster first introduced coconut shrimp to their menu in 1991. It quickly became one of their most popular appetizers. The chain promoted it heavily in TV commercials in the ’90s, featuring families eagerly dipping the crispy coconut-crusted shrimp into the orange sauce.

Coconut shrimp was so successful that it paved the way for other “Create Your Own” seafood appetizers at Red Lobster like parrot isle jumbo coconut shrimp and seafood stuffed mushrooms. For decades it remained a staple on the chain’s appetizer lineup.

Even through the recession of the late 2000s when Red Lobster revamped its menu, coconut shrimp stayed It was the reliable classic that kept customers coming back. Red Lobster sold over 25 million orders of coconut shrimp per year at its peak popularity in the 2010s.

Red Lobster’s Recent Struggles

In recent years, Red Lobster began struggling financially. The casual dining sector declined, and rising costs put pressure on profits. A disastrous promotion in 2023 offering unlimited shrimp for $15 caused a reported $12 million loss for the chain.

Red Lobster’s parent company, Thai Union Group, exerted more control, making the chain the exclusive buyer of Thai Union’s shrimp. This drove costs higher at a time margins were shrinking.

By early 2024, nearly 100 Red Lobster locations had closed. The company was saddled with over $300 million in debt. On May 19, 2024, Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The months leading up to the filing saw Red Lobster simplify its menu offerings in an effort to improve profitability. Did coconut shrimp get cut in these menu changes?

The Fate of Coconut Shrimp

As Red Lobster scaled back promotions and less popular dishes, speculation mounted that coconut shrimp might be on the chopping block. While unconfirmed, insider reports in early 2024 suggested it had been cut.

In April 2024, a Red Lobster representative responded to guest concerns on social media, stating “We appreciate our guests’ love for coconut shrimp. We’re pleased to share it remains available.” This gave hope that coconut shrimp was staying put.

Red Lobster’s post-bankruptcy June 2024 menu still lists coconut shrimp as an appetizer choice. Its familiar image is included on menus and the company’s website.

While not promoted or advertised heavily like before, coconut shrimp does remain available based on consumer reports. It is still spotted on restaurant menus nationwide.

Red Lobster’s Plan for a Comeback

As part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan, Red Lobster intends to streamline operations and focus on financial stability over rapid growth. The chain will reinforce its identity by focusing on core classics like coconut shrimp versus short-term gimmicks.

Red Lobster also plans to improve restaurant-level execution. Many locations had suffered from operational issues like long ticket times, inconsistent food and service quality, and menu complexity. Fixing these problems will strengthen store performance.

The menu will balance consumer favorites like coconut shrimp with simplified options easier for cooks to prepare consistently. Advertising will emphasize Red Lobster’s strengths versus flash-in-the-pan trendy dishes.

While coconut shrimp may never regain its 1990s mega-popular status, signs point to it remaining a menu fixture. It’s the enduring classic that defines the essence of Red Lobster.

Customer Reactions

Based on customer comments on social media and review sites, there is rejoicing that Red Lobster’s bankruptcy filing hasn’t spelled the end of coconut shrimp. The iconic appetizer has a passionate fan base.

Many customers state that coconut shrimp is their “go-to” dish at Red Lobster or reason for dining there. Its comeback story mirrors the restaurant chain’s own desired revitalization.

While coconut shrimp had faded from prominence on Red Lobster’s menus before the bankruptcy, for many guests, a Red Lobster visit without it was unthinkable. It’s a nostalgic taste of childhood, seafood indulgence, and good times.

The Future Looks Bright

For Red Lobster diners, the bankrupcty filing certainly raises concerns over the fate of favorite dishes like coconut shrimp. But the chapter 11 process may strengthen the chain’s financial footing and reinforce its core identity.

After years of declining visits and profits, Red Lobster has a chance to start anew by improving execution, controlling costs and focusing on classics.

Early indications point to coconut shrimp sticking around to satisfy its loyal base of fans. And that’s sweet, crispy, coconut-crusted music to many guests’ ears.