You probably remember the smell of those biscuits hitting you the second you walked through the door at 2925 S. Ninth Street. For years, the Salina KS Red Lobster was the go-to spot for birthdays, prom nights, or just that craving for a Shrimp Trio that wouldn’t go away. It felt permanent. Then, basically overnight, the doors were locked and the lobster tanks were empty.
It was a shock.
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On May 13, 2024, employees showed up to find a sign on the door telling them they didn't have jobs anymore. No warning. No big "farewell" dinner. Just a locked door and a corporate website that suddenly listed the Salina location as "closed." It wasn't just a local thing, either; Salina was part of a massive wave of nearly 100 closures across the country as the chain spiraled toward bankruptcy.
Why the Salina KS Red Lobster Actually Closed
People like to blame the "Ultimate Endless Shrimp" deal. Honestly, that was part of it. The company lost roughly $11 million on that promotion because, turns out, people can eat a lot of shrimp when you tell them it’s infinite. But for the Salina location, it was more than just people eating too many scampi skewers.
The business reality was messy.
The chain was buried under "sale-leaseback" agreements. Basically, they sold the land their restaurants sat on to other companies and then rented it back. When those rents started climbing, and food costs went through the roof, the math stopped working. The Salina building and its equipment—everything from the industrial ovens to the dining room tables—ended up on an auction site called RestaurantEquipment.bid.
The Aftermath and What's Left
If you drive by that spot on Ninth Street today, it’s a weird sight. For a long time, it was just a shell of a building. It's one of those "zombie" restaurant spots that reminds everyone of where they used to spend their Friday nights.
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While the Salina spot is gone for good, Red Lobster as a brand is actually trying to claw its way back under new management. They’ve got a new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, who used to run P.F. Chang’s. He’s been trying to simplify the menu and bring back fan favorites like hush puppies to save the remaining locations. But for Salina residents, that doesn't help much if you have to drive all the way to Wichita or Topeka just to get a Cheddar Bay Biscuit.
Where to Get Your Seafood Fix Now
Since we can't go back to the Ninth Street location, locals have had to pivot. If you’re looking for that specific sit-down seafood vibe in Salina, your options are a bit more "landlocked" than they used to be, but there are still spots to hit:
- Long John Silver’s: If you just want fast, fried fish, it's there, but it’s definitely not the same experience as a wood-grilled lobster tail.
- The Topeka or Wichita Red Lobsters: These are the closest surviving corporate locations. If you're really desperate for the "Ultimate Feast," a day trip is your only real bet.
- Local Steakhouses: Places like Texas Roadhouse or local spots often have salmon or shrimp on the menu, though they obviously focus more on the beef.
It’s kind of sad to see a staple go. The Salina Red Lobster was more than just a place to eat; it was a reliable piece of the town's business landscape for decades. Seeing it listed in the "largest restaurant equipment auction ever" felt like the end of an era for local dining.
If you still have gift cards gathering dust in a kitchen drawer, you can still use them at any open Red Lobster. Just don't expect to use them anywhere near Salina. The brand is focusing on "fewer but better" locations to stay afloat through 2026. For now, the Ninth Street landmark remains a memory of butter-drenched napkins and birthday celebrations.
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To handle any remaining business or rewards issues, your best bet is to contact Red Lobster corporate directly through their main guest relations portal, as the local Salina phone number has been disconnected since the liquidation. If you are looking for local dining alternatives, checking recent reviews for the seafood specials at nearby grills in the South Ninth Street corridor is a solid way to find a new "regular" spot.