Seafood spots in the U.S. have always had a hard time matching the popularity of burger joints and chicken places. Smithsonian Ocean notes that many Americans still hesitate when it comes to sea-based protein (they’re just not as into it). This wariness, along with economic bumps like inflation and shifting eating habits, has led to the closure of famous chains like Bubba Gump and Kona Grill. Still, amid these ups and downs, some seafood chains are bouncing back by tweaking their menus and refreshing their brands.
Red Lobster’s ride through rough seas
Red Lobster, which got its start back in the 1970s, has been a mainstay in America’s seafood scene, famous for its popcorn shrimp and Cheddar Bay biscuits. Even with its legendary status, the chain hit some rocky waters thanks to changing diner tastes and economic pressures. In May 2024, Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy—a move partly blamed on its endless shrimp promotion that really stretched its finances (yep, giving away shrimp can be a money pit). But things began to look up when Fortress Investment Group snapped up the brand in September 2024 and injected $60 million from RL Investor Holdings LLC.
Now under the helm of CEO Damola Adamolekun (formerly with P.F. Chang’s), Red Lobster came out of bankruptcy on September 16, 2024. Their new game plan involves slimming down the menu and bringing back fan favorites like hush puppies and Lobsterfest. They’ve even given their tartar sauce a makeover and said goodbye to the endless shrimp deal. With an eye on drawing in millennials and Gen Z customers, the plan is to serve up top-notch ingredients while creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Long John Silver’s quick-change act in fast-food seafood
Started in 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky, Long John Silver’s quickly spread to over 1,000 restaurants in its first decade (a real fast-food seafood revolution, as noted by CNN Money). But then financial troubles hit, leading to bankruptcy in 1998 after the chain piled up debts from going private back in 1989. By 2017, critics were complaining about the quality of the food, which sparked a rebranding push that included fresh new logos and uniforms unveiled in 2016.
Fast forward to 2023, when Nate Fowler stepped in as CEO, bringing along a background from Nike and US Bank. Under his leadership, Long John Silver’s has been working on bettering its menu—with thicker fish fillets and revamped chicken marination techniques. They’re also rolling out plans to upgrade their tech (think self-service kiosks and digital menu boards) and fine-tune their unit economics. Plus, the launch of an app and loyalty program called “Seacret Society” signals a move away from their old “fish shack” vibe.
Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips: A comeback story
Launched in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips was all about battered shrimp, fish, and chicken specialties. Named after a British actor, the chain hit its peak in the 1970s with about 800 locations. However, after being bought by Mrs. Paul’s Kitchen Inc. in 1979 and facing sky-high costs for English-imported cod (that’s a pricey ingredient), the chain went bankrupt in 1980, leaving just one spot standing by 2021 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Lately, Arthur Treacher’s has been making a comeback thanks to Nathan’s Famous taking the reins in 2021. New outlets are popping up, including a third location in Cleveland Heights that opened on April 1st, 2025. James Walker, Nathan’s SVP of restaurants, says they’re all about making the food “memorable, craveable, and Instagrammable” (a nod to today’s social media scene). The brand is branching out with hybrid spots alongside Nathan’s Famous outlets and even testing ghost kitchens.
The seafood dining scene is definitely changing as each chain adjusts its approach while still keeping its unique history alive. With these restaurants tackling age-old issues and the newer hurdles of today—from economic pressures to shifting customer tastes—they’re all in the race to serve up quality seafood moments across the diverse culinary landscape of America.
