Citrus Heights Red Lobster could be on the chopping block after all

By Sara Beth Williams–
Red Lobster in Citrus Heights could be next on the chopping block, according to latest company bankruptcy filings.

In an update last week, ABC 10 reported that a list of 132 locations has been released, where Red Lobster is seeking to reject leases due to the locations being “likely to continue to drive losses.” That list includes the Citrus Heights location.

In a May 19 press release, Red Lobster expressed reluctance as it announced the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company “intends to use the proceedings to drive operational improvements and simplify the business through a reduction in locations,” according to the press release.

Located at 6231 Sunrise Blvd., the Citrus Heights location was previously spared from a first round of almost 90 restaurant closures across the country in April. The Citrus Heights Red Lobster still remained open as of Thursday morning. Latest reports indicate almost 100 locations have closed across the country.

“This restructuring is the best path forward for Red Lobster. It allows us to address several financial and operational challenges and emerge stronger and re-focused on our growth,” Jonathan Tibus, the company’s CEO, said in the press release.

Red Lobster in Citrus Heights has remained a stable fixture near the corner of Sunrise and Greenback in a plaza that has seen several tenants leave and new tenants take over neighboring sites throughout the past decade.

A total of eight locations in California are listed as temporarily closed, according to Red Lobster’s website, including a Sacramento location on Howe Avenue.

According to the restaurant’s website, Red Lobster is known for its fresh seafood dishes and has over 700 locations operating across the country, as well as several international franchises. The first Red Lobster opened in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida.