Red Lobster CEO speaks out as abrupt policy change after 14 years shocks industry & experts warn it'
RED Lobster's new CEO has spoken out following an industry shock.
Horace Dawson was appointed as CEO on Thursday following the shock resignation of his predecessor, Kelli Valade.
Red Lobster has had a tumultuous period of leadership after its longtime CEO, Kim Lopdrup, retired after 14 years, according to Restaurant Dive.
Then, her successor Kelli Valade quit her job just eight months after taking the role, in a decision that worried industry experts.
Restaurant analyst John Gordon said the quick departure was “very, very, very bad,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Gordon added: “No CEO anywhere wants to be on board a company only eight months.”
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Restaurant Dive commented on the recent new leadership of the chain.
They said: “Despite these leadership shifts, owner Thai Union Group, which bought the chain in 2020, has been working to improve the chain.
“The company plans to offer additional food and beverage items, like alcoholic beverages, and refresh its restaurants to provide a more polished appeal.
“The company made its 'ultimate endless shrimp,' which was a summer limited-time offer, available all the time to help grow traffic.”
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Dawson spoke out about his new appointment in a positive manner.
He said: “This is an important time for our brand.
"We are continuing to evolve our menu and guest experience to give our guests more of what they want every time they visit one of our restaurants."
Dawson was the company's executive vice president and general counsel.
He led the chain's communications, legal affairs, risk management, and government relations.
Red Lobster has promoted Paul Kenny as the restaurant chain’s chairman of the board, as he previously acted as the liaison between the brand's leadership and board.
This news comes as The US Sun previously reported on recent location closures.
At least ten Red Lobsters have closed down in recent months, including locations in Naples, Florida, and San Jose, California.
The restaurant chain explained some of these closures in a statement to The U.S. Sun.
A Red Lobster representative said: "We regularly review our restaurant portfolios as part of the normal course of business.
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"As a result, we made the difficult decision to close locations that were no longer right for Red Lobster.
"As you mention, in some locations, the decision was reached when we could not reach an amendable lease agreement with the landlord."
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