• by Teresa Buyikian , February 12, 2025

This week Red Lobster announced the return of Lobsterfest, its yearly crustation celebration, proclaiming 2025 to be the “GLOAT: Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time.” The promo runs from Feb. 11 through April 20 and boasts “an elite new lineup of lobster creations.”

This is the first Lobsterfest since the struggling chain emerged from bankruptcy late last year, with “Fortress Investment Group kicking in $60 million toward reshaping the brand’s value offerings, service and atmosphere,” per NBC News. Red Lobster’s new CEO, Damola Adamolekun,  is targeting millennials to help rebound the chain.

“We want to make the restaurants more fun,” commented Adamolekun to NBC. “We want to make this more energetic.”

The brand has tapped 35-year-old millennial NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, who will “help fans build their dream Lobsterfest plates.” Griffin stars in a new :30 spot, seen here, which alludes to his superb dunking skills on the basketball court.

“What happens when one of the most famous dunkers of all time goes to the Greatest Lobsterfest of All Time?” asks a voiceover while Griffin sits in a Red Lobster booth ready to dig into his Lobsterfest meal. “I make Red Lobster famous,” replies Griffin as he begins to eat.

The spot VO then highlights various Lobsterfest dishes, as well as introducing the new Create You Own entrée option, which enables guests to build their own meal by selecting two or three lobster entrées.

In all guests have the choice of 10 entrées, including new dishes such as a Lobster & Shrimp Linguini and a Lobster Roll, along with returning menu items like hush puppies and popcorn shrimp. All entrees are served with the chain’s endless Cheddar Bay Biscuits.

"This year, we're taking (Lobsterfest) to the next level with more variety, more flavor, and more ways than ever for guests to satisfy their crustacean cravings," said Nichole Robillard, CMO at Red Lobster in the announcement.

For a limited time, guests can enjoy their Lobsterfest entrée “Blake Griffin's Way,”  which features Rock Lobster Tail, Garlic Butter-Poached Maine Lobster and Lobster Mac & Cheese.