WILLIAMSBURG — Red Lobster is closing more than 50 locations across the country, it emerged Monday, including the Williamsburg location at 2100 Richmond Road.
While there has been no official announcement by the chain, the news emerged when TAGeX Brands, which describes itself as an after-marketplace for restaurant and food-related equipment and supplies, posted the auctions on its website.
“As of today, select Red Lobster locations are CLOSED. On our Restaurant Equipment marketplace, we are auctioning off 50+ locations across the country. These auctions are WINNER TAKES ALL — meaning, each winner will receive the ENTIRE contents of the Red Lobster location they bid on. Auctions are live and will end periodically on Thursday, May 16, 2024,” it said.
Some estimates put the total number closer to 80 restaurants in at least 27 states, with some employees on social media saying they were preparing for a normal day of operations when they received calls telling them they were out of a job.
In April, multiple media outlets reported the restaurant chain, which had seen several ownership changes in the last 10 years, was considering filing for bankruptcy to restructure debt and get out of lengthy and costly leases.
See the auction listing for the Williamsburg location here. The Newport News location on Jefferson Avenue is also on the list.
