Red Lobster In Coachella Valley Shutting Its Doors After 14 Years

PALM DESERT, CA — After 14 years in operation, Red Lobster will be closing its location in Palm Desert, the company confirmed on Wednesday.

Per KESQ, employees said they learned about the closure on Monday.

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"We kind of found out this morning that our restaurant is closing, and as of September 6th or 7th, we would no longer be open, and it was just news to all of us today," an employee at the restaurant told KESQ.

Located at Highway 111 and Fred Waring Drive, the location reportedly opened its doors in June 2012.

When the Palm Desert location closes, the nearest Red Lobster restaurants in Riverside County will be in Riverside and Temecula.

In an email to Patch on Wednesday, Red Lobster confirmed its Palm Desert location will close on Sept. 6.

"As part of our normal course of business, Red Lobster continuously evaluates individual restaurant performance and lease terms and may, from time to time, choose to close select restaurants. This closure reflected specific decisions tied to the unique operating conditions at this restaurant. We remain committed to making thoughtful decisions that position Red Lobster for long-term success, stability and growth," the company said.

Earlier this year, Red Lobster's Chief Executive Officer Damola Adamolekun told the Wall Street Journal the restaurant chain needs to get smaller and could close more restaurants this year to reduce costs.

During its 2024 bankruptcy, the company reportedly closed about 130 locations.