Over the last few years, I feel as if I have become an ambassador of the Red Lobster restaurant chain. Yes, I am a big fan, and as a frequent visitor to Ottawa for family reasons, no visit goes without a trip to Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. just as you enter the city via Highway 417. There is a second location at a mall in Nepean.
Red Lobster was indeed a staple in Quebec over 25 years ago. But the company pulled out of our province and given the decision in May to file for bankruptcy does not seem to be in the cards. As of this writing, they were to be sold to Fortress Credit Corp., a lender experienced in restaurant management that has financed the chain’s operations, including a new $100 million loan that allowed it to stay afloat during its bankruptcy proceedings.
In recent months Red Lobster has closed around 100 restaurants and at least a dozen more are set to shut their doors, none in Canada. It has been reported that mismanagement, competition, inflation and other factors brought down Red Lobster. Thai Union, a global seafood supplier, became Red Lobster’s leading shareholder in 2020. Even though they cut costs and removed longtime, promotions such as $20 endless shrimp resulted in a loss of $11 million. It is reported to be $1 billion in debt.
I first went to the Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. in Ottawa some 20 years ago when I met the general manager, Ian Forrester. When I started returning here for family reasons, I was delighted to see Ian was still there. He was excited to tell me about how many Montrealers come for lunch or dinner, whether they are visiting or just coming in for the evening. Yes, Ian confirms, there are Montrealers who drive in for dinner only. I know a few of them.
Well, I am pleased to report that the Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd. is doing just fine. When I arrived for dinner the parking lot was full and the wait for tables was so long, the overflow had to sit on benches outside. Forrester was happy to have me spread the word that the Canadian locations have done very well in recent years and they are not impacted by the threats of closure. Many people only read the headlines, so naturally, Ian and his team keep getting calls to see if they are still open.
For our most recent visit, the three of us started with a Caesar salad, some clam chowder and the mouth-watering signature biscuits. You get two per serving and there is an option to order a half dozen more – good to wrap in a plastic baggie and take home to enjoy. These delicious and soft rolls are not something you will find anywhere else.
For the main course, I chose the lobster, shrimp and salmon meal with a side of rice. The others chose the Ultimate Feast (Maritime lobster tail, garlic shrimp, snow crab legs and Walt’s Favourite shrimp, with rice); and the Twin Maine tails (a pair of perfectly roasted Maritime lobster tails with cole slaw and mashed potato).
Thanks to Owen Hoyt, the manager on duty that night, for taking care of us
You can find many other tempting items on the menu, such as Date Night Feast for Two – two butter-poached Maritime lobster tails, two seven-ounce sirloins, two jumbo grilled shrimp skewers and a shareable Bacon Mac & Cheese, plus a choice of one side for each guest. The Lobster-Topped Stuffed Tilapia features tilapia roasted with their signature Red Lobster located at 1499 St. Laurent Blvd. You can call (613) 744-7560 or log on to www.redlobster.ca.