Red Lobster In Rome Still Open After Wave Of Closures In May

As a restaurant that’s been a part of the Rome community for 40 years, the Red Lobster on Shorter Avenue has become a fixture in many people’s lives so when they were put on a list of possible closures, many in the community were concerned.

In May the restaurant chain released two lists of restaurant locations across the country that could be closed. The list was released after the franchise filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the Shorter location was one of four Georgia restaurants listed.

When they first heard of the closures the staff was worried, Josiah Carr the general manager of the restaurant, said.

“It would have been hard for the community. It would have been hard for the staff,” Carr said.

The restaurant was able to stay open after some negotiations with the property owners, but the threat of closure showed the love the community had for the seafood eatery.

The day after the list of closures was released, customers filled the restaurant to show their support. Customers were approaching Carr talking about how much the restaurant meant to them and telling stories about important moments they had there.

“It’s a huge testament to both the community and the staff,” Carr said. “A lot of people came in to show their support.”

Customers weren’t the only ones that would have been impacted by the closures. To many staff members, the restaurant isn’t just a job, it’s their lives. Most of the employees have worked at Red Lobster for many years, with some celebrating 40 years at the restaurant. The employees range in age from 17 to 65, according to Carr.

“I love the sense of community that the company has just amongst the people in our four walls,” Carr said. “It means a lot to the people in town and it means a lot to the staff here.”