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Red Lobster goes on hiring spree to replace C-suite after endless shrimp debacle
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Red Lobster goes on hiring spree to replace C-suite after endless shrimp debacle

One of America’s favorite casual dining chains has been going through a rough few months, and shrimp is to blame.

Red Lobster in May filed for bankruptcy Following the closure of over 50 locations due to massive losses due to the very popular Infinite Shrimp promotion. Then in August, the seafood chain hired a new CEO: Damola AdamolekunThe 35-year-old is the former CEO of PF Chang.

“This is, without exaggeration, one of the most important companies in American history,” Adamolekun said. CNN. “There have definitely been big mistakes made in the last few years.”

But since Adamolekun took over the corner office, A mission to give Red Lobster its sea legs back. One of the biggest mistakes he mentioned was the chain’s Infinite Shrimp promotion. Although it was extremely popular with guests, it caused the company to incur millions in operating losses. This also puts undue stress on servers and kitchen staff, Adamolekun said. CNN.

Under Adamolekun’s leadership, the company plans to make major changes, such as renovating the restaurants and shortening the menu, which it says contains too many dishes. Adamolekun also said they are “finished closing restaurants,” and the chain now has 545 locations. These are all part of more than one thing 60 million dollar plan To prevent the seafood chain from being overwhelmed again.

In addition to structural and menu changes, Red Lobster is also renewing its senior management team. Last week, the seafood chain began assembling its executive team with seasoned restaurant leaders, both of whom have decades of experience.

On Tuesday, the company announced that Bob Baker will take over as chief financial officer. He has a long history of restaurant leadership, having previously served as CFO at Checkers & Rally’s in Tampa, Florida, Benihana and Cafe Rio Mexican Grill in Miami. Prior to this, he held finance, operations, mergers and acquisitions and accounting positions at a Fortune 1000 fast food company. Very good! Brands. He will replace Stephanie Medley, who has been interim CFO since February and was previously Ruby Tuesday’s chief strategy and finance officer.

Red Lobster's new CFORed Lobster's new CFO

Red Lobster appoints Bob Baker as CFO

Then on Wednesday, Red Lobster also announced the appointment of new chief marketing officer Nichole Robillard. He most recently led barbecue chain Smokey Bones through its rebranding and business transformation; This could help Red Lobster find its way out of the financial crisis. During the bankruptcy period, Red Lobster’s marketing was handled by Sara Bittorf, an expert in turnarounds and restructurings. Marketing Dive.

Nichole Robillard is Red Lobster's new chief marketing officerNichole Robillard is Red Lobster's new chief marketing officer

Nichole Robillard joins Red Lobster as Director of Marketing

Red Lobster did not respond Luck‘s request for comment on new leadership appointments or whether other high-level announcements will be made in the near future.

In mid-September, Adamolekun reassured customers and investors that the brand was heading in the right direction as it emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

“Red Lobster is now a stronger, more resilient company,” he said in a statement on Sept. 16. “And today is the beginning of a new chapter in our history.”

This story first appeared on: Fortune.com