• August 8, 2008

In its first promotional initiative with the network, the restaurant participated in the fourth season of "The Next Food Network Star."

A Red Lobster chef appeared as a guest judge and helped select the winner of a fresh fish challenge that resulted in a new selection on Red Lobster's "Today's Fresh Fish" menu.

In the promotion's first week, more than 680 Red Lobster restaurants in North America collectively sold 31,820 of contestant Kelsey Nixon's Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc, surpassing projections for the company's first partnership of this kind.

Nixon's dish has landed her a spot on Red Lobster menus until Sept. 1, and FoodNetwork.com announced this week that she was also voted the "Season 4 Fan Favorite," with 37% of the fan vote.

In addition to featuring Kelsey's dish in more than 680 restaurants, Redlobster.com featured behind-the-scenes video from "The Next Food Network Star" Episode 4 and blog entries about its chef's experience as a guest judge. The site also featured a recipe for Nixon's winning dish and a video demonstration of its preparation.--Nina M. Lentini