Red Lobster — Restaurant in Alafaya

One would hope that a restaurant on a brink of extinction will be more careful and more attentive to clients needs and allergies but it doesn't always work out. The staff that was hired had no knowledge or desire to be informed on policies, procedures and allergies or maybe they just don't care. But live and learn . Especially when I called in advance to make sure they had a gluten free menu . How can I describe the empty ,dark in need of a major update place ? As you enter the place you are greeted by sad looking small aquarium where the lobsters try to exist probably praying for someone to end their suffering, then the smell slowly invaded your olfactory nerve, a mix of old dusty place, bad fish and mold. After being asked "how many" , and answering "just two" for the second time (I guess paying attention wasn't his strong point) they presented us only with one menu. We were seated in a booth where the wood walls haven't been wiped since the Clintons era , the sorry looking lampshade was covered in dust and was suspiciously swinging , as I wiped down the seat, praying I wouldn't touch anything wet and yes I did . We sat . I was afraid to going to the bathroom to wash my hands noone needs a tetanus shot at this point so Purel it is . Deciding on a meal , we had told the waitress about Celiac disease menue and asked for special preparation of the meal so it can be passed on to the cook ! No menue was provided , I guess she was busy. As we ordered we told her again about the Celiac hoping she understood. The water was placed in the table , glasses have seen better days , I am not sure if the water was filtered or not (Not the way it was tasting) lemon however made it drinkable. The paper napkin gave it a "special " kinda trailer park vibe . The floor littered with used straw covers and debris, food particles. We should have left but I was willing to look the other way , hoping maybe the food is good. And all those good reviews! I do believe they were from staff anyway looking for a bonus ! Food was ordered , again spoke of celiac. The waitress brought 2 biscuits only 2 (for me) I guess they were rationing (i.dont have problems with gluten my child does ). The food was bright in! After a few bites my child said "ohh this tastes great" as I became very concerned, gluten free doesn't taste "great" we called the waitress in asking about it , as she got the binder she told us that the sauce isn't gluten free 😳. The level of not caring about a client came of in waves from that woman , . . She didn't consult a manager didn't tell anyone about the alergy didn't look at a binder ........NOTHING! WELL SH*T!!!!! As she told us " I know , I have a daughter who has celiack" . Shouldn't she KNOW THEN? Why were the protocols NOT FOLLOWED! As she nonchalantly walked away, mostly ignoring us as my NOW sick child was trying to flag her down , she wasn't even looking our way. The anger bubbles up to a point that my beautiful kind and understanding baby was trying to calm ME down ! Finally the waitress came back giving us the check and tried to walk away as I asked for the manager. I have to say the conflict resolution training paid off . But trying to low ball the client isn't a good idea especially when you have failed to provide a safe eating environment and failed to train your staff. Two managers came up to discuss things the first one was just saying "I am sorry " as my child is trying to keep it together. Only he asked my kid "are you ok?" NONE ELSE CARED . The last one holding a "gift card " in his hand (no he didn't offer it) and thank you for doing that, saved me from rejecting it . Our meal was compted , they didn't need to do that my food was fine not great , just fine , I was more than happy to pay for it , even though I didn't finish it because my child became sick . Driving home for an hour was a trial in hell. Leston learnd . First impression matters . I hope Red Lobster owner will read this and make necessary changes . But maybe the "restaurant" has gone too far in to "has been" dimension....

My Experience at Red Lobster on December 18, 2024

My visit to Red Lobster was a mix of highs and lows. When I initially asked the host for assistance in selecting a lobster, I was disappointed by her reluctance to help. It felt as though she didn’t want to do the job or assumed I couldn’t afford the lobster, which was priced at nearly $90. This kind of attitude is unacceptable in a customer-facing role and left a negative impression.

However, the experience was redeemed by the exceptional service provided by the manager, Brian, and our waitress, Abigail. Brian stepped in to recover the situation, demonstrating professionalism and showing me what excellent customer service truly looks like.

Abigail, our waitress, was another highlight of the evening. She was extremely attentive to our family, frequently checking in to ensure we had everything we needed. Her warm personality and proactive approach are exactly how anyone working in customer service should be. It’s clear she values customer satisfaction, which is so important in any dining experience.

While I would happily return to spend my money where great customer service is provided, I would hesitate to support a business where staff act as though they don’t want to assist customers or make assumptions about their ability to pay. Thank you, Brian and Abigail, for your efforts in making the evening memorable for the right reasons.

My Experience at Red Lobster on December 21, 2024

We returned to Red Lobster on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and I’m happy to report that our experience this time was excellent with no complaints. Both Brian and Abigail were there again, and their exceptional service truly stood out once more.

Abigail, in particular, continues to impress with her outstanding customer service. To be honest, she’s the only one I would want to serve me. Her attentiveness, professionalism, and warm personality make dining at Red Lobster an absolute pleasure.

As a business owner, I understand how imperative it is to prioritize excellent customer service. Employees like Abigail and Brian exemplify what it means to provide a great customer experience, and they are the reason I’d gladly return.

Thank you again, Abigail and Brian, for making this visit exceptional!

May 14, 20205

Great Service and Hospitality at Red Lobster!

I had a wonderful dining experience at Red Lobster thanks to the exceptional service provided by Dustin. He was attentive, friendly, and ensured our table had everything we needed throughout the meal. His professionalism truly enhanced our visit.

A special thank you as well to Diana, the manager, who took the time to personally come by and introduce herself. The meet and greet added a warm, personal touch that made us feel welcomed and valued as guests.

The food was delicious as always—especially the Ultimate Feast. However, I would recommend that the crab legs be seasoned to the guest's preference, as they came out a bit underseasoned for my taste. A little customization would make an already great meal even better!

Overall, a wonderful visit. I look forward to coming...

So Red Lobsters are very hard for me to think about. I only come here once a year, and that's during Endless Shrimp time. I think about coming during other times of the year, but there isn't ever a single thing on the menu that's worth what they are charging. I don't want to be mean. I'm sure that people from landlocked areas can appreciate what Red Lobster is offering, but I grew up in Pensacola, right on the Gulf Coast, and the quality of seafood I grew up with was incredible. This place just can't compete.

However, when I came here recently for my best friend's birthday dinner, it was Endless Shrimp time, which is so exciting. Endless Shrimp is such a happy time, a five star event. But you got to do it right, like I do.

First of all, you have to not eat any of the cheddar bay biscuits, because they take up space in your stomach. If you really want some, just take some home in a to-go bag at the end of your meal. Second of all, when you order your Endless Shrimp, tell your server that you don't want a salad, and you don't want a side, for the same reasons you don't want the biscuits. After this, you are ready to eat. You get two different shrimp styles at first, and they're going to be the biggest portions you get all night, and then you can order two more styles at a time, based on the discretion of your server. The one I had that night let me order more every time I had new ones come, which was ok.

There are some new styles of shrimp this year. The Mediterranean skewers, which were ok. They were basically just covered in oil and topped with cherry tomatoes and scallions. The real winner, and the favorite shrimp style that Red Lobster has ever given me, was the Nashville hot shrimp. Omg. That crispy, spicy breading all slathered with honey. So good. Like, mind blowing.

Just a tip, there are secret menu item shrimp that you can get that aren't on the menu. Just ask your server. They are all the basics like the coconut bites, the basic fried, the scrimp scampi, and the shrimp linguine alfredo. I've heard rumors on a potato chip crusted fried shrimp being at certain locations, but not my location. Sad.

So, go out there and get your endless amount of shrimp. It only lasts two months a year at most. It's such a wonderful experience and such a variety of shrimps that it takes this very three star restaurant and elevates it to a four...