Orlando, Fla. (April 1, 2019) – Red Lobster announced today that starting this summer it will begin offering red licorice straws to guests as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. In addition to the red licorice flavored straws, Red Lobster is also exploring a variety of other unique straw flavor options, including Cheddar Bay Biscuit^®, coconut shrimp and lobster bisque. This is the first test of an alternative product to meet Red Lobster’s commitment to begin to replace plastic straws with an eco-friendly alternative by the end of 2020.

Red Lobster began offering plastic straws only upon request* in November 2018 and has since been sourcing and testing a variety of plastic straw replacements. As the first casual dining restaurant to make a commitment to replace plastic straws in restaurants, this move to offer red licorice straws as an eco-friendly alternative will help to eliminate almost 150 million plastic straws per year from Red Lobster’s more than 700 restaurants.

“The use of licorice straws in place of plastic straws is a popular and fun food hack because it’s just as practical as it is delicious – and its red color makes a lot of sense for Red Lobster,” said Salli Setta, President and Chief Concept Officer, Red Lobster. “We are testing a variety of straw options but are excited to hear guest feedback on these candy straws.”

Today happens to be April Fools’ Day! No, Red Lobster is not actually testing or offering red licorice or other flavored straws in its restaurants. But, Red Lobster did want to get in on the April Fools’ Day fun to raise awareness around the use of plastic straws and reinforce its commitment to finding the right eco-friendly alternative straw product to offer guests. Red Lobster continues to have the very real commitment to begin to replace plastic straws with an eco-friendly alternative by the end of 2020.  

If you’ve made it this far into this news announcement, your reward is being in on the joke! In the spirit of pranks, Red Lobster is inviting guests to join in the fun by bringing their own red licorice straws to Red Lobster and using them as a plastic straw alternative. Guests can take a photo and share their experience on social media tagging @RedLobster and using #LicoriceStraw.

To learn more about Red Lobster’s Seafood with Standards commitments, including details about sourcing and sustainability practices, visit www.redlobster.com/seafoodwithstandards.

*Straws only upon request applies to non-alcoholic beverages, including fountain beverages, teas, lemonades and waters.

About Red Lobster Seafood Co.
Red Lobster is the world's largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla. With a proud heritage and an even brighter future, Red Lobster is focused on serving the highest quality, freshly prepared seafood that is traceable, sustainable and responsibly-sourced. To learn more about Red Lobster's sourcing standards and where the seafood we serve comes from, please visit www.redlobster.com/seafoodwithstandards. With more than 55,000 employees in over 700 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and a growing international footprint, Red Lobster is more committed than ever to be not just the biggest seafood restaurant, but the best. To learn more, please visit www.redlobster.com or find us on FacebookOpens in a new Window or Twitter Opens in a new Window.