Flavor Flav Saves Red Lobster: Orders Entire Menu!
To help save Red Lobster from bankruptcy, Flavor Flav ordered the entire menu and posted the viral moment on Instagram, spotlighting the chain’s financial troubles.
Red Lobster, having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, is in a precarious position with over 135 restaurants at risk of closure. The chain is attempting to stay afloat by selling its businesses to existing lenders while also auctioning off assets from numerous locations. The viral stunt by Flavor Flav not only highlights the restaurant's dire situation but also aims to bring attention to the beloved chain’s ongoing difficulties under the partial ownership of Thai Union.
The Instagram post by the iconic rapper went viral, attracting significant online attention. Flavor Flav's post read, 'It’s flavor time, boyeeeeeeee!' alongside a picture showing a table full of Red Lobster dishes. The official Public Enemy Instagram account also showed their support by commenting with a lobster emoji.
Red Lobster’s financial woes became public in May when the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This move was taken to restructure its substantial debts, putting over 135 of its restaurant locations in jeopardy of closure. The reorganization plan includes selling its assets to existing lenders in a bid to keep the business running.
As part of the restructuring process, Red Lobster is auctioning off contents from dozens of its locations through the liquidation firm TAGeX Brands. This auction, while helping to manage immediate financial issues, underscores the seriousness of the chain's economic troubles.
Under the ownership of Thai Union, which holds a 49% stake in the company, Red Lobster has faced notable challenges. Issues within the workplace environment and with management competence have plagued the restaurant chain, exacerbating its financial problems.
In an effort to cut costs and boost revenue, Red Lobster is dealing with increased operational expenses, including a significant rent hike for its Times Square location. The restaurant is now required to pay $2.2 million annually for the lease, further straining its financial resources.
Flavor Flav's enthusiastic support for Red Lobster is not limited to this one incident. The rapper has been a long-time fan of the chain and has previously featured the restaurant on his reality show 'Flavor of Love.' His recent act of ordering the entire menu is seen as an attempt to bring public attention to the chain's situation.
In his Instagram post, Flavor Flav made a special mention of the chain's famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits, indicating that saving these iconic treats was a significant motivation for his unusual order.
Despite its financial struggles, Red Lobster continues to operate and serve customers. The restaurant is hoping that through its reorganization efforts and the continued support of fans like Flavor Flav, it can navigate through this challenging period.
Apart from his culinary escapades, Flavor Flav has recently been in the spotlight for becoming the official hype man for the U.S. women's water polo team. His vibrant personality and celebrity status have brought additional attention to the causes he supports.