Red Lobster is closing its location in one of America’s biggest tourist areas
A Red Lobster spokesperson said the location was hurt by “ongoing construction on the building.”
Mason Reed 
The landscape of iconic dining in the heart of New York City is shifting. The Red Lobster located in Times Square, which stands as one of only two remaining outposts in the city, is set to permanently shutter its doors this month.
End of an Era in the Big Apple
According to an article by Nation’s Restaurant News, the flagship site will close on June 14, marking the end of a 23-year run in the bustling tourist district. The restaurant, which first opened its doors in 2003, was a fixture of the area, though the company noted that the decision to leave was difficult.
Construction Challenges
A Red Lobster spokesperson attributed the closure to “ongoing construction on the building.” The structure at 5 Times Square is currently undergoing a conversion process into apartment units. Citing the location as “economically unsustainable,” the company is making moves to streamline its operations.
A Pattern of Nationwide Closures
This closure follows a broader trend for the seafood chain, which has shuttered more than 100 locations across the United States since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. As reported by 205focus.com, these decisions are part of an ongoing effort to mitigate losses by closing underperforming sites following the company's emergence from bankruptcy.
Last month, the brand also announced the closure of its oldest continually operating restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida, which had served customers for 56 years. With the Times Square closure, New York City will be left with only one remaining Red Lobster, located in Brooklyn.
