'Don’t write us off': Red Lobster management rebooting longtime location in Tallahassee

The rebirth of the Red Lobster restaurant chain includes its Tallahassee location, its oldest continuously-operating operation in the same location.

With over 54 years of operation on North Monroe Street, the newly appointed general manager is determined to revive the state capital location with a focus on the dining experience.

"Don't write us off," new GM Nicholas Southerland says. To former patrons who left to dine at competitors, he adds, "Things have changed; give us a chance."

Red Lobster is famously known for its "Cheddar Bay Biscuits" and former $20 endless shrimp promotion. Since a wave of financial challenges hit headlines in May, it has struggled to reinvent itself and has contracted the number of locations.

Seventeen in Florida were among the more than 100 that closed nationwide. But Tallahassee's landmark operation was never on the endangered list.

It recently hosted what Southerland referred to as a "grand re-opening" on Oct. 14 after operating for shorter hours this summer due to low staffing: "I want to see this business flourish and this location be a staple for another 54 years," he said this week in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.

In September, the seafood chain exited bankruptcy with a new operational plan and a hefty $60 million investment from its backers, Fortress Investment Group, which will be poured into the 545 remaining locations.

Damola Adamolekun, the 35-year-old who formerly was CEO of the P.F. Chang restaurant chain, has been tapped as Red Lobster's newest chief executive. He is also the youngest CEO in the Red Lobster history.

"Red Lobster has a tremendous future, and I cannot wait to get started on our plan with the company's more than 30,000 team members across the USA and Canada," Adamolekun said in a Sept. 5 release on the company's website.

Southerland decided he also wanted to be a part of the chain's restored future and began leading the charge locally in September.

"I've always had a love for this company," said Southerland, who was previously food and beverage director for the Golden Eagle Country Club.

"Our community deserves a place to come and enjoy and be able to just spend time together," he added. "I wanted to see a restaurant that is in the heart of the community back running. I wanted to help bring it back to life."

What changes can you expect to see?

Southerland says there is a new focus throughout the company that actively prioritizes work environment and customer satisfaction.

"They're focusing on their people this year," Southerland said. "Making sure that we're supported, and we have what we need to properly function and properly do what has to be done to make sure that every single guest that walks in our doors leaves with a smile on their face."