Here's the full list of Red Lobster restaurants that are closing permanently and why

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For many folks, especially those that are lucky enough to live in or visit Maine, summer means one iconic dish: lobster, served with drawn butter, corn on the cob and coleslaw (preferably served outside on a picnic table overlooking a harbor with boats and a lighthouse). The chain restaurant Red Lobster served a need for those who can't get there. But unfortunately, many of the locations have closed, just like a lobster claw contained in a rubber band.

However, on Monday, May 20, fans of the beloved seafood brand received some promising news: The company had voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and would continue to operate its remaining restaurants as part of this restructuring process. The company, which received a $100 million commitment from existing lenders, will continue to work with vendors to ensure that operations are unaffected.

Here's everything we know so far about the loss of this seafood standby.

Why did Red Lobster close?

While the company's official website news page still doesn't talk about the closures, reliable sources like NBC Bay Area report that the company has struggled with debt. Additionally, promotions like last summer's "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" didn't fare well and created more losses. There's also been a lot of leadership turnover—all of which combined to spell briny disaster.

How many Red Lobsters will be closing?

According to the Associated Press, more than 50 locations have closed.

Where are the Red Lobsters that are closing?

Here is the most recent list of Red Lobster locations that have closed, according to NBC Chicago:

Alabama

Auburn

Decatur

California

Redding

Rohnert Park

Sacramento

San Diego

Torrance

Colorado

Denver

Lakewood

Lone Tree

Wheat Ridge

Florida

Altamonte Springs

Gainesville

Hialeah

Largo

Orlando

Georgia

Athens

Roswell

Dublin

Idaho

Lewiston

Illinois

Bloomingdale

Danville

Indiana

Indianapolis

Elkhart

Iowa

Council Bluffs

Waterloo

Maryland

Gaithersburg

Columbia

Silver Spring

Laurel

Michigan

Fort

Gratiot

Mississippi

D'lberville

New York

Amherst

Kingston

Rochester

New Jersey

Ledgewood

North Dakota

Grand Forks

Oklahoma

Lawton

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

Texas

Lake Jackson

Long View

San Antonio

Virginia

Colonial Heights

Williamsburg

Newport News

Washington

Silverdale

Wisconsin

Wauwatosa

La Crosse

When are the restaurants closing?

They are already closed. Some employees even showed up to work to find the doors locked.

Will the remaining Red Lobster restaurants remain open?

As part of the Chapter 11 filing process, the remaining Red Lobster restaurants will remain open and operational.

What's been the reaction to the news?

According to posts on X, people are bummed. "WE RIDE AT DAWN, ya hear me?" posted one upset lobsterer. One commenter saw a golden opportunity, though: "OK who wants to go in on a Red Lobster with me??? We could have our very own lobster tank!!!!! note: lobsters not included."

And one relieved person noted that their location still seemed to be okay: "So glad the san bruno red lobster [California] seems to be on the survival list."

So, is that true about the tanks?

Possibly! The company is auctioning off equipment from the closed locations, including ovens, refrigerators, dining room furniture, lobster tanks, and those cute plastic bibs.

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