Florida-based Red Lobster has completed a remodeling of two San Diego restaurants, as part of a nationwide program of site renovations and menu updates.
A company spokesman said the remodelings — at 3780 Sports Arena Blvd. and 8330 Mira Mesa Blvd. — stem from a program started in 2008, in which the casual-dining seafood restaurant chain is investing $300,000 to $500,000 per location in renovations. Red Lobster is aiming to have all of its restaurants remodeled by the end of 2014.
The San Diego restaurants’ exteriors now include a stone tower similar to architecture used in New England, with ship lanterns and Adirondack-style chairs to encourage outdoor mingling and conversation. Interiors have been expanded to allow for large parties, and the company has installed new LED lighting among other energy-saving upgrades.
Menus have been revised with new offerings under $15, and nearly 25 percent of the food selections are now nonseafood items, the spokesman said.
Red Lobster has more than 700 locations, including five in San Diego County. It is among several restaurant brands owned by Darden Restaurants Inc. of Orlando, Fla.
— SDBJ Staff Report
