Reports: Tuscaloosa Red Lobster at Risk of Closing Next Following Bankruptcy
After surviving the first round of restaurant closures that followed in the wake of Red Lobster's bankruptcy last month, their Tuscaloosa location may now be on the chopping block unless the company can renegotiate its lease there.
The Orlando-based fast casual seafood titan declared bankruptcy last month and closed around 100 of its more than 500 restaurants, but the eatery in McFarland Plaza remains open for now.
“This restructuring is the best path forward for Red Lobster. It allows us to address several financial and operational challenges and emerge stronger and re-focused on our growth," said Jonathan Tibus, the Company’s CEO. "The support we’ve received from our lenders and vendors will help ensure that we can complete the sale process quickly and efficiently while remaining focused on our employees and guests.”
Reporting from outlets including USA Today and CNN says Red Lobster still has more than 125 additional restaurants where their leases have been rejected - stores at risk of permanent closure unless they are able to renegotiate their responsibilities.
That list includes the Tuscaloosa store at 2620 McFarland Boulevard East.
The brand already closed and sold off its equipment from locations in Decatur, Huntsville and Mobile.
The Tuscaloosa store is the only remaining store in Alabama included on the newly published list - the state's other seven Red Lobsters including stores in Birmingham, Gadsden and Montgomery may be safe for now.
For updates on the store's future and other restaurant and retail news from around west Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.
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