Red Lobster CEO’s Plan To Reinvigorate Brand Is Doomed To Fail

Red Lobster’s new CEO has a plan to save the restaurant from obscurity. But, it’s probably doomed from the word go.

Damola Adamolekun has been in the news a lot for bringing Red Lobster back from the brink in 2024. He was the man at the controls when the warning lights were flashing red. But, since becoming the CEO, the road hasn’t been the easiest for Adamolekun.

Now, he’s looking towards making Red Lobster the “most AI-forward restaurant company that exists.” The CEO told the Black Money Tree podcast that was his intention this year. A bold strategy in a world where common people cannot stand Generative Artificial Intelligence.

And right there, you can see where things are poised to go a bit sideways for the brand as things move forward. Admittedly, I get why Adamolekun is so confident. This man was the CEO of P.F. Chang’s at 29 years old. He’s been a success in most environments he walks into.

But, there’s confidence and there’s misplaced bets and it seems like we’re heading for the latter with Red Lobster. After a positively electrifying first frame with the company, the new CEO risks squandering all of that forward progress with moves to entice their shareholders.

Even more distressing is the fact that in a new interview with Fox News, Adamolekun admits that the personal ties to Red Lobster is what helped steady the ship for the restaurant after he assumed control of the reins. 

Red Lobster’s CEO Turned Things Around, But Will It Continue

From the first moments in the big chair, the Red Lobster CEO knew he had a lot on his plate. Things were in free-fall and he looked like a convenient pick to go down with the ship. His ascension to the position looked like so many moments in business history.

Namely, putting a minority leader in charge as a business is taking on water. Basically handing a baseball bat to the kid who was next up at the plate after someone breaks a window. It’s sabotage with a few extra steps!

But, interestingly, Adamolekun’s age and experience allowed him to be more flexible than his forebearers. He zeroed in on some fan-favorite items like Popcorn Shrimp and Seafood Boils to rousing applause from the Internet at large. 

I also have to mention the positive impact of Black people deciding to support the CEO’s efforts as they saw the writing on the wall from a mile away. And, it worked swimmingly. It’s a modern success story and one that other businesses could stand to learn something from.

But, then we get into the AI of it all and that could hard-fry the entire effort before the turnaround is complete.

Will The Good Time (Lobster) Roll?

The growth for Red Lobster is good so far. But, if AI ends up screwing up data, shipments, or both, there could be trouble. In 2026, there are more choices than ever for diners out there looking for a deal.

In order to keep pace with all these different options, Red Lobster is going to be on point. That means you can’t afford any minor scandals. Good reviews and word of mouth are going to carry the day as well.

 All of those things I named are put into jeopardy by allowing generative AI to creep into the picture. Not to mention the strong connection between the harm the technology heaps upon communities of color, and the vocal turn against its usage in most contexts.

 From over here, The Red Lobster CEO would do better to focus on keeping those delicious cheddar biscuits coming instead of messing around with a technology that has a lower approval rating than stepping on a LEGO. We’ll have to see as things shake out!

(featured image: JeepersMedia)

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