One of the best things about going to Red Lobster is their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. In the restaurant, you can still eat as many as you want, but if you want to take your food to go, you can only get two biscuits per entrée.
Sometimes thats not enough–and now there is a solution. It says that if you order out and really like them, you can get more than two. Now, you can purchase additional biscuits by the dozen or half dozen with your order.
So be ready to spend a little extra on biscuits if you order out. OR. just order out with someone else who really loves lobster and wont eat their biscuits.
The warm, fluffy, cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits served at every Red Lobster location are arguably the chain’s most iconic menu item. The biscuits have become synonymous with the Red Lobster brand and are a major part of the customer experience. For years, they’ve been unlimited and complimentary with entrees. But recently, some concerning rumors have emerged – is Red Lobster now charging for Cheddar Bay Biscuits?
In this article, we’ll find out the truth about the current biscuit policy and pricing at Red Lobster restaurants. We’ll also take a nostalgic look back at the history of Cheddar Bay Biscuits over the chain’s 50 years of operation.
The Current Biscuit Policy at Red Lobster
Here is the official policy around Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster restaurants as of February 2023:
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All entrées come with two complimentary biscuits included in the price
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Unlimited free refills of Cheddar Bay Biscuits are still offered with the purchase of an entrée
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Extra biscuit orders can be purchased for an additional cost
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Half dozen biscuits – $3.79
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Full dozen biscuits – $7.29
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So the good news is that Cheddar Bay Biscuits remain unlimited and free with any entrée order! Red Lobster has confirmed there are officially no plans to charge for biscuits that come as part of a meal.
Where Did the Charging Rumors Come From?
In early 2020, some concerning rumors started swirling on Reddit and food blogs that Red Lobster was beginning to charge for Cheddar Bay Biscuits or limit free refills. Some theories included:
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Biscuit prices crept up from $1.99 to $3.79 for an extra half dozen.
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Servers were asking guests if they “wanted to purchase biscuits for the table.”
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Free refills weren’t being offered automatically without asking.
However, Red Lobster representatives later clarified these were isolated incidents rather than nationwide policy changes. Locations were reminded biscuits must remain complimentary with meals.
The higher ala carte pricing was to deter guests only visiting for free biscuits. And overzealous servers were trying to boost sales numbers by pushing biscuit orders.
A History of Cheddar Bay Biscuits Through the Years
Let’s take a nostalgic trip back in time and see how the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuit has evolved on the Red Lobster menu:
1970s – Red Lobster opens with simple Parker House-style yeast rolls. Biscuits are not yet on menus.
1980s – Cafe-style Cheddar biscuits introduced as a free add-on with meals.
1990s – Biscuits rebranded as “Cheddar Bay Biscuits” and gain immense popularity.
2009 – Red Lobster starts selling frozen Cheddar Bay Biscuit dough in supermarkets.
2014 – Cheddar Bay Biscuits get first big menu revamp with garlic herb biscuits added.
2019 – New rotating biscuit flavors tested like Parmesan-Bacon and Crispy Chicken.
2022 – Lobster-infused Cheddar Bay Biscuits added for the Crabfest limited time promotion.
No matter the recipe tweak or flavor profile over the years, warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits have remained the heart and soul of the Red Lobster experience for over 3 decades. It’s hard to imagine dining there without the complimentary biscuits and unlimited refills.
Why Biscuits Matter to Red Lobster’s Brand
Almost every casual dining chain offers free bread or biscuits before a meal. But none have reached the cult status of Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Here are some of the key reasons they contribute to Red Lobster’s long-term success:
They deliver consistency – Regardless of location, you can expect hot biscuits served in the iconic red-checkered paper.
They provide comfort – The warm, gooey biscuits evoke feelings of home and nostalgia.
They’ve become tradition – Not having biscuits would disappoint multi-generational guests who see them as part of family rituals.
They differentiate the brand – No other mainstream dining chain has mastered a signature proprietary biscuit.
They encourage indulgence – Starting with something sinfully delicious sets the tone for an indulgent meal out.
They drive purchases – Offering free, unlimited biscuits likely increases food and beverage orders.
Losing the free Cheddar Bay Biscuits would likely damage Red Lobster’s brand recognition and loyal customer base. Here’s hoping they remain complimentary for at least another 50 years! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly craving those addictive biscuits.
The Verdict on Biscuit Charges at Red Lobster
Based on all available information directly from Red Lobster and credible food blogs, we can safely conclude that Cheddar Bay Biscuits are still free with entrée purchases across all locations. While pricing on extra biscuit orders has increased, unlimited free refills remain untouched.
Any instances of Red Lobster servers requesting payment for biscuits was the result of miscommunications, not a permanent policy change. Biscuits with meals are here to stay as gratis menu staples. Whew – now we can all rest assured our biscuit obsession remains safe to indulge at Red Lobster for the foreseeable future!
How To Cook: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix
Is Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits legit?
Red Lobster might be known for the seafood fare but their extra special bread is what makes the brand ultra famous. The free of charge Cheddar Bay Biscuits brought to every table at Red Lobster even have their own line of insulated fanny packs now. Yes, they are that legit.
Are Red Lobster biscuits legit?
Yes, they are that legit. It’s possible that some patrons go to Red Lobster solely for the biscuits, which are fluffy, cheesy, and layered with a delectable garlic butter. No Red Lobster meal is complete without a side of the biscuits, and they’re definitely a bonus for someone dining with a shellfish allergy and limited menu options.
Do you have to pay for Red Lobster biscuits?
When you’ve eaten all the Red Lobster dishes and biscuits you can handle and realize you have a couple of extras, you might be pressed (and reasonably so) to ask your waiter for a bag to take the rest home. Unfortunately, your server may have told you that you would have to pay for the biscuits separately.
What are Red Lobster biscuits?
These are a special biscuit made by the Red Lobster seafood chain. When the Red Lobster biscuits were originally introduced they were called ‘freshly baked hot cheese garlic bread’. Descriptive but not a very catchy name. Five years later they were renamed Cheddar Bay Biscuits as a nod to the seaside ambiance of the restaurants.