• by Teresa Buyikian , June 11, 2024

In response to the mainstream and social media coverage of the chain’s recent bankruptcy and store closures, even one of Red Lobster’s biggest fans said “UHHHH WUT,???!!!” on X.

Despite the chain’s troubles, this week it announced the return of its yearly crustation celebration, Crabfest, with a TV and video effort featuring one of its biggest fans, rapper Flavor Flav.

FlavorFlav went on to post “I use my platform to help others and now I wanna use it to help save one of America’s greatest dining dynasties,” saying “Yo” Red Lobster, “CALL ME,!!! I gotchu.”

Apparently, the fast-casual chain did.

Beginning with his trademark "Yeah BOYEEE!," Flav himself narrates the :30 spot, addressing the media firestorm. “When the internet said Red Lobster was going away, Flavor Flav said ‘Not today!” Then the founding member of seminal East Coast rap group Public Enemy goes on to exclaim “Crabfest is here BOYEEE!” and goes on to describe the yearly promo.

"We love seeing our fans show up and rally for us, so when Flavor Flav reached out, we answered the call and invited him to join us in reminding fans we're here to stay," said Sara Bittorf, chief experience officer at Red Lobster in the release.

In addition to Flav, the chain’s fans have begun posting on social media in support of the restaurant with the hashtag #SaveTheBiscuits in reference to the chain’s immensely popular Cheddar Bay biscuits.

This year’s Crabfest introduces some new offerings, including a Cajun Butter option in addition to the usual Roasted Garlic and Simply Steamed flavors served with a pound of steamed wild-caught (Snow or Bairdi) crab legs. 

The new crab-filled menu options, beginning at $20, also include a Creamy Crab Carbonara, Crab & Lobster Duo and a Snow Crab & Crab-Topped Steak. Crab Mac & Cheese has also joined the menu as an add-on item.

Flavor Flav isn’t the only Hall of Fame rapper lending his swagger to advertise a restaurant chain. Last week Jack in the Box announced its latest Munchie Box, a collaboration with West Coast rapper and founding member of N.W.A., Ice Cube.