Red Lobster closing Times Square location after 23 years in NYC

Red Lobster Shutting Down Flagship Restaurant in Times Square

Red Lobster is bidding farewell to its Times Square location in NYC after a 23-year run. The seafood chain’s flagship restaurant will permanently close on June 14, citing significant building construction impacts as the primary reason for the decision.

Years of construction at 5 Times Square, where the restaurant is located, have led to decreased foot traffic and visibility, making it unsustainable for Red Lobster to continue operating at the iconic spot.

All employees at the Times Square location will have the option to transfer to other Red Lobster restaurants, with additional pay to facilitate the transition. The closure marks the end of Red Lobster’s presence in NYC, with the restaurant being a prominent fixture in Times Square since 2003.

Following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2024, Red Lobster has been working on cutting costs and closing underperforming locations. The chain ended 2025 with over 500 restaurants nationwide and $1.56 billion in sales, a slight decrease from the previous year.

As part of its recovery strategy, Red Lobster continues to evaluate its restaurant portfolio, with more closures possible in the future. The closure of the Times Square flagship is a significant development for the brand, signaling a shift in its operational focus.