Red Lobster closing 50 locations across 20 states, months after ‘endless shrimp’ losses

U.S. (AP)– Dozens of Red Lobster locations across the U.S. are now on the chopping block.

Restaurant liquidator TAGeX Brands announced this week that it would be auctioning off the contents of dozens of Red Lobster locations that were closed as part of the seafood chain’s “footprint rationalization.” The closing locations span across more than 20 states.

Red Lobster has been struggling for some time. As lease and labor costs have piled up in recent years, the chain is reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy. And then there’s been the problem of endless shrimp. Last year, Red Lobster significantly expanded its previously existing all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. But customer demand overwhelmed what the chain could afford, reportedly contributing to millions in losses.

Red Lobster’s roots date back to 1968, when the first restaurant opened in Lakeland, Florida. In the decades following, the chain expanded rapidly. Red Lobster currently touts more than 700 locations worldwide.