The first Red Lobster restaurant in Alabama has permanently closed its doors in the Birmingham metro area after decades of operation.
Longtime Birmingham-Area Location Shuts Down
The Red Lobster in Vestavia Hills closed on Saturday at its location along Montgomery Highway. A notice at the restaurant directed customers to the Trussville location as an alternative.
The Vestavia Hills restaurant originally opened in 1974 and operated for more than 50 years. It was recognized as the first Red Lobster location in the state. The closure marks the end of a long-standing dining spot for many local residents.
Company Cites Ongoing Business Changes
A company spokesperson confirmed the closure and described it as permanent. The statement explained that Red Lobster regularly reviews restaurant performance and lease agreements. Some locations are closed as part of those evaluations.
The company also stated that it continues to focus on long-term stability and growth. Red Lobster was founded in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida. Since filing for bankruptcy in 2024, the chain has closed more than 100 locations nationwide.
Broader Closures Across the Chain
The Vestavia Hills closure comes as Red Lobster continues to reduce its footprint across the United States. The company’s oldest continuously operating restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida, also announced its closure after 56 years of service.
Despite recent closures, seven Red Lobster locations remain open in Alabama.
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