Current:Home > NewsInvestment group buying Red Lobster names former PF Chang's executive as next CEO -Thrive Capital Insights
Investment group buying Red Lobster names former PF Chang's executive as next CEO
View
Date:2025-04-17 17:14:53
The investment group aiming to purchase Red Lobster after it emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy named who it wants to helm the company Monday.
Fortress Investment Group announced that former P.F. Chang's CEO Damola Adamolekun will take on the same role at RL Investor Holdings LLC, the company Fortress created to purchase the seafood restaurant.
"Red Lobster’s future is brighter now than ever before – I cannot wait to get started on our investment plan, and to get out and meet diners across the USA and Canada," Adamolekun said in a media release announcing the decision.
Adamolekun worked as CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of P.F. Chang's and was a partner at Paulson & Co., a New York investment firm and the chain's principal owner, according to the release.
The Red Lobster takeover marks the latest in a string of acquisitions by Fortress including Vice Media and Alamo Drafthouse, which was later sold to Sony Pictures Entertainment, Reuters reported.
"Fortress has a strong track record of operating and improving iconic American restaurants, and Damola’s energy, leadership and experience will be key to restoring Red Lobster’s status as an iconic and admired American brand," Morgan McClure, Managing Director at Fortress said in the release.
Red Lobster closes locations as bankruptcy proceedings continue
Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy on May 19 after closing dozens of locations and announcing that it intended to "drive operational improvements" by simplifying the business. Documents later filed in federal court revealed that the bankruptcy was primarily due to significant debt, a carousel of CEOs, an all-you-can-eat shrimp fiasco and a 30% drop in guests since 2019.
RL Investor Holdings, previously known as RL Purchaser LLC and consists of Red Lobster's lenders, bid $376 million to acquire the company's remaining assets, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
Fortress said in the announcement that Red Lobster will operate as an independent company with 544 locations in 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.
In a 23-page court document filed Aug. 22 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Orlando-based company said it is rejecting the leases of an additional 23 locations by Saturday, Aug. 31, bringing the total number of closed restaurants to 129.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY.
veryGood! (2266)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- North Korea’s Kim orders military to ‘thoroughly annihilate’ US, South Korea if provoked
- AP PHOTOS: Dancing with the bears lives on as a unique custom in Romania
- Ravens claim No. 1 seed in AFC playoffs with another dominant display against Dolphins
- Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- Consulting firm McKinsey agrees to $78 million settlement with insurers over opioids
- What's open on New Year's Eve? Stores, restaurants and fast food places ringing in 2024 with open doors.
- Red Sox trade seven-time All-Star pitcher Chris Sale to Braves
- Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”
- Detroit Pistons face final chance to avoid carrying NBA-record losing streak into 2024
Ranking
- Family of explorer who died in the Titan sub implosion seeks $50M-plus in wrongful death lawsuit
- Puppies, purebreds among the growing list of adoptable animals filling US shelters
- Gaza family tries to protect newborn quadruplets amid destruction of war
- Laws banning semi-automatic weapons and library censorship to take effect in Illinois
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- In Iowa, Nikki Haley flubs Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark's name
- How to watch or stream the 2024 Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day
- North Korea’s Kim orders military to ‘thoroughly annihilate’ US, South Korea if provoked
Recommendation
Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
Israel is pulling thousands of troops from Gaza as combat focuses on enclave’s main southern city
Resolved: To keep making New Year's resolutions
The year in review: Top news stories of 2023 month-by-month
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Not all New Year's Eve parties are loud and crowded. 'Sensory-friendly' events explained.
Chief Justice Roberts casts a wary eye on artificial intelligence in the courts
After landmark legislation, Indiana Republican leadership call for short, ‘fine-tuning’ session