Red Lobster is making waves this summer with the return of its beloved Crabfest. On Monday, 23 June 2025, the American dining chain confirmed the seasonal promotion is back, marking a major step in its recovery after filing for bankruptcy last year.
Crabfest Returns with a Fresh Twist
Crabfest, the brand's annual seafood celebration, promises a refreshed menu featuring bold new flavours. This year's lineup includes 10 new dishes designed to attract both loyal fans and first-time diners.
'Red Lobster's Crabfest is the ultimate summer dining experience, featuring exciting and flavourful dishes like our new Seafood Boils,' said Nichole Robillard, Chief Marketing Officer, in an official company statement.
'Whether you're a longtime Red Lobster lover or participating in Crabfest for the first time, we've got something to bring everyone joy,' she added.
What's New on the 2025 Crabfest Menu
According to Today's latest report, the Red Lobster Crabfest 2025 offers all-new Seafood Boils. Customers can choose between two options:
- Sailor's Boil: shrimp, corn, red potatoes, and smoked sausages
- Mariner's Boil: Snow crab legs, a Maine lobster tail, shrimp, corn, and red potatoes
You can choose from different seasonings, which include Old Bay, Roasted Garlic Butter, and Cajun Butter.
Red Lobster also introduced five new dishes, which include:
- Crab-Topped Asparagus
- Crabby Stuffed Mushrooms
- Crab-Topped Potato
- Steak Oscar
- Salmon Oscar
The American casual dining company also named three new drinks called 'Festival Summer of Sips.' It includes:
- Starry Eyed Surprise
- Purple Haze
- Passion Star Spritz
This brings a total of 10 new items to Red Lobster's 2025 menu.
A Bold Move After Bankruptcy
The return of Crabfest signals a determined effort by Red Lobster to recover following a financial crisis. In 2024, former CEO Jonathan Tibus closed several locations and filed for bankruptcy after the company reported debts exceeding £730 million (€1 billion). At that time, the business had only £22 million (€30 million) in available cash.
The company's collapse was largely attributed to an unsustainable 'endless shrimp' promotion. After the bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster was acquired by RL Investors Holdings in September 2024.
Damola Adamolekun was appointed as the new CEO, replacing Tibus. Since then, the company has introduced several changes, including a new menu rollout in November 2024. The return of Crabfest is part of this renewed growth strategy.
Customers Celebrate the Comeback
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed excitement over the return of Crabfest. Many praised Adamolekun's leadership, with one user writing that the CEO 'came in the door swinging'.
Others shared their eagerness to try the new Seafood Boils and cocktails. The positive reaction suggests Red Lobster's comeback strategy is beginning to resonate with customers, slowly rebuilding its reputation after a turbulent financial year.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
