Red Lobster is closing down its iconic Times Square flagship location in New York City, dated June 14 this year.
This means it's bringing an end to its massive 23-year run. The restaurant cited prolonged building construction, falling foot traffic, and conversion of the building to residential use as reasons for this sudden closure.
The Times Square shutdown follows a period of challenge and uncertainty for the chain, which says this is not a decision that they wished to make, but some circumstances led to it.
Local media outlets shared how it had filed for bankruptcy in the year 2024 and recently closed the oldest continuously operating location in Florida. The main reason outlined for the closing is years of construction that were seriously impacted by foot traffic and visibility, making the location no longer financially viable.