Red Lobster isn’t just for the seafood lover in you. It’s also for that picky eater in every group who just wants a simple chicken dish.
The chain that popularized seafood is trying to reach more people by changing its menu on October 15 to include more dishes that people who don’t want to eat seafood will enjoy. The chain, which is owned by Darden Restaurants Inc. , is also increasing the number of dishes that cost less than USD 15 to attract customers who have limited funds.
There will be 25% more non-seafood items on the menu than there were before, up from 8%. And the number of lower-cost entrees will rise to about 60 percent from 40 percent.
A lot hinges on the makeover. In the casual dining segment, growth has been slow since the late 1980s after a long period of healthy growth. This is because there are too many of these restaurants.
A lot of people are also eating at home more or switching from fast food chains like Five Guys to “fast-casual” restaurants like Panera Bread Co. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. that fall somewhere between traditional sit down restaurants and fast-food chains. And it’s clear that Red Lobster needs to make changes: restaurant traffic has gone down 12 times in the last 24 months.
Clarence Otis, CEO of Darden, which owns Olive Garden, was asked about the risks of making such a big change to the menu. He said, “The biggest risk would be not to change.” ’’.
Red Lobster is synonymous with succulent seafood. From lobster to shrimp, salmon to tilapia, this restaurant chain has built its reputation on fruits of the ocean. However, ardent seafood lovers aren’t the only diners who can enjoy a meal at Red Lobster. The menu features a surprising variety of non-seafood dishes to appeal to diverse preferences.
For those asking “does Red Lobster have anything besides seafood?”, the answer is a resounding yes! Red Lobster caters to meat lovers, vegetarians, and anyone seeking alternatives to their iconic seafood. Let’s dive into the non-seafood options awaiting discovery on their menu.
Hearty Steak and Chicken
Seafood may be Red Lobster’s claim to fame, but their kitchens can also turn out juicy flavorsome steaks and chicken. Their NY Strip steak is hand-cut in-house from USDA Choice beef. It’s boldly seasoned and wood-grilled to smoky perfection.
Chicken also makes an appearance in dishes like the Wood-Grilled Chicken Breast and Southwest-Style Tacos with Grilled Chicken. Both highlight the versatility of chicken’s mild flavor when spiced and cooked right.
Craveable Pasta Creations
Pasta mania doesn’t have to be put on hold at Red Lobster. For Italian food fans, they’ve got pastas galore minus the seafood. Opt for hen instead of shrimp in their Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, sub the sauce on their Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo, or stick to basics with their Classic Fettuccine Alfredo.
Noodles aside, Italian flavors permeate their Chicken Parmesan dish too. A crisp breaded chicken cutlet smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella will transport you straight to the old country.
Salads and Soups
Red Lobster offers salads and soups for lighter, veggie-packed appetites. Their Garden Salad is crisp romaine and mixed greens adorned with fresh veggies. Or try their Caesar Salad, either classic-style or topped with grilled chicken.
Their legendary New England Clam Chowder can optionally go seafood-free to warm up vegetarians. Tomato-based soups and chili provide heartier choices for chilly weather.
Sandwiches and Wraps
When you’re craving handheld foods, Red Lobster’s sandwiches and wraps deliver. Sink your teeth into their Chicken Sandwich or Crispy Chicken Wrap for a satisfying crunch. Their Veggie Burger caters to vegetarians with a MorningStar Farms black bean patty.
These items come withbottomless fries for unlimited refueling. For gluten-free diners, sandwich fillings can be ordered over salad instead.
Sides and Small Plates
Round out your non-seafood entrée with Red Lobster’s “landlubber sidekicks”. Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and fries offer classic carb companions. Crunchy coleslaw, broccoli, and creamy mac and cheese cover off vegetables.
Their tentsu chicken dumplings make a tasty starter, accompanied by rice and ginger-soy sauce. Lighter appetites can piece together a meal from sides and starters alone.
Kids’ Menu
Red Lobster welcomes the youngest, pickiest eaters with a special kids’ menu. Here you’ll find child-friendly foods like mac and cheese, chicken fingers, grilled chicken breast, and Alfredo pasta. Parents can enjoy their seafood while kids munch on more familiar flavors.
As a bonus, kids meals are served on cool nautical-themed plates even landlubbers can appreciate. The menu also allows mixing sides or substituting broccoli for fries.
Accommodating Allergies and Preferences
Red Lobster aims to accommodate a spectrum of dietary needs. Their menu identifies gluten-free, vegetarian, and nut-free dishes for easy selection. Servers are trained to note special requirements and suggest suitable options.
Common substitutions include swapping side sauces, holding croutons, nixing cheese, or serving dressings on the side. Just inform your server of any food allergies or preferences for customized service.
Specials Beyond Seafood
In addition to everyday menu items, Red Lobster features monthly specials that often go beyond seafood. Past promotions have included a lineup of steak and chicken for Land Lovers’ Month or Italian pasta specials.
Keep an eye out for seasonal specials like these that encourage new taste adventures. Sign up for their email newsletter for insider info on upcoming specials.
So don’t be shore-blindered into thinking Red Lobster is strictly about seafood! Their menu offers a catch of non-seafood dishes to appeal to varied cravings and diets. Whether you’re a landlubber or seafood fan, there’s plenty to choose from at Red Lobster.
We Finally Know Why Red Lobster Is So Cheap
Does Red Lobster have a chicken menu?
(AP) Red Lobster isn’t just for the seafood lover in you. It’s also for that picky eater in every group who just wants a simple chicken dish. The chain that brought seafood to the masses is hoping to broaden its appeal by revamping its menu on Oct. 15 to include more dishes that appeal to diners who don’t want to eat seafood.
Is the fish at Red Lobster fresh?
Red Lobster offers a Fresh Fish menu with five-to-eight fresh fish options that are updated daily. So even if you think you know the menu like the back of your hand, you probably don’t.
Does Red Lobster have a salad?
Since opening its doors in 1968, Red Lobster has always had an obligatory chicken or steak dish or two on the menu. If people want a salad, the current menu offers a Caesar. That’s it. But diners who aren’t in the mood for seafood likely want a little more variety.
Does Red Lobster have lobster?
The Red Lobster’s publicist Mic spoke with was able to confirm, however, that it serves two kinds of lobster: Maine lobster (also known as North American lobster) and Rock lobster. Langostino is also served at Red Lobster, the chain confirmed.