4 NJ Red Lobster Locations Close Abruptly, Dozens Nationwide

Red Lobster closed Four New Jersey restaurant locations and dozens of restaurants nationwide on Monday as the struggling seafood chain reportedly considers a bankruptcy filing.

Red Lobster Closed Over 80 Locations Nationwide on Monday

More than 80 Red Lobster locations in at least 27 states were listed as "temporarily closed" on the restaurant's website.

Workers said they received no notice of the closings and stories of Red Lobster employees arriving at work Monday only to find that their Red Lobster location had closed were widespread.

According to restaurantbusinessonline.com, equipment from more than 50 Red Lobsters in 21 states was being auctioned off beginning Monday by RestaurantEquipment.bid, which called it "the largest restaurant equipment auction ever."

Four New Jersey Locations Close

Of the 16 Red Lobster locations in New Jersey, four were targeted for closing on Monday.

Red Lobsters in Lawrenceville, East Brunswick, Bridgewater, and Ledgewood, New Jersey closed as bankruptcy rumors circled the seafood restaurant chain.

The Orlando-based chain, known for its endless shrimp deals, has reportedly been eyeing bankruptcy filing to restructure its debt and downsize from its 650 US locations, CNN reports. 

Last summer, the company revived its endless shrimp menu deal, which led to a $11 million additional loss for the seafood chain. 

What's the Future for South Jersey Red Lobster Restaurants?

Red Lobster restaurants in Mays Landing, Vineland, Toms River, Woodbury, Delran, and Cherry Hill managed to avoid Monday's closings, but what does the future hold for them?

After the suddenness of Monday's restaurant closings, anything seems possible for Red Lobster. The company has yet to publicly acknowledge Monday's closures much less comment on its other locations, so we just don't know.