Three Red Lobster Locations in Western New York To Close

Posted at 5:13 PM May 13, 2024 WKBW

Three Red Lobster locations in Western New York are set to close, the company confirmed Friday.

The three locations are in Cheektowaga, Greece, and Henrietta. The closures are part of a larger plan by Red Lobster to close 50 underperforming locations nationwide. The company said the closures are necessary to "optimize" its business and "focus on growth opportunities."

The Cheektowaga location will close on June 1, the Greece location will close on June 8, and the Henrietta location will close on June 15. All three locations will continue to offer takeout and delivery until their closing dates.

The closures will leave Western New York with just one Red Lobster location, which is in Amherst. The company said it is committed to the Amherst location and will continue to invest in it.

The closures are a blow to Western New York's restaurant scene. Red Lobster is a popular seafood chain with a loyal customer base. The closures will also result in the loss of jobs for dozens of employees.

The company said it is working to help employees who are affected by the closures find new jobs. Red Lobster said it is offering severance packages to employees and will work with them to find new positions within the company or at other businesses.