BRIDGEPORT — Seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster has closed its Bridgeport location in the Brookside Center shopping plaza.
The restaurant at 4485 Main St. closed over the weekend. Callers on Monday were greeted by a recorded message thanking customers for their patronage and directing them to the chain’s remaining three Connecticut locations.
Red Lobster now operates restaurants in Danbury, North Haven and Wethersfield. The chain previously had additional Connecticut locations, including in East Hartford, Enfield and Torrington, all of which have closed over the years.
The closure comes about two years after Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2024. The company emerged from bankruptcy later that year under new ownership.
The bankruptcy followed years of financial struggles, which the company blamed on a difficult economic environment, failed strategic initiatives and increased competition. Industry analysts cited losses tied to the chain’s popular $20 Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion, which became a permanent menu offering in 2023. The promotion proved more popular than anticipated, squeezing profits and creating supply challenges at some locations.
Thai Union, a major Red Lobster investor and shrimp supplier, later declined to provide additional financial support, and the company filed for bankruptcy as its debt obligations mounted.
This story includes previous reporting by staff writer Alexander Soule.
Dining and Cooking