You’ve seen the headlines. For a while there in 2024 and 2025, it felt like every other day another "Closing Forever" sign was being slapped onto a casual dining staple. Red Lobster, the king of the Cheddar Bay Biscuit, was basically the poster child for restaurant industry drama. Bankruptcy filings, the "Endless Shrimp" debacle that allegedly cost millions, and a revolving door of CEOs had people wondering if the whole ship was going down.
But if you drive past 298 East Winchester Street, you'll see the neon red crustacean still glowing. Red Lobster Murray UT didn't just survive the restructuring; it’s actually kind of thriving under the new management that took over after the company emerged from Chapter 11 in late 2024.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a relief for the locals. This spot is a landmark in Murray, sitting right across from Fashion Place Mall. Whether you’re stopping in after a massive shopping haul or taking the kids out for a "fancy" birthday dinner, it’s been a community fixture for years.
What’s Actually Happening at Red Lobster Murray UT Right Now?
So, why did this specific spot make the cut while dozens of others across the country were shuttered? It usually comes down to lease terms and foot traffic. The Murray location is in a high-density area with a lot of draw from neighboring Midvale and Sandy.
Under the new leadership of CEO Damola Adamolekun (formerly of P.F. Chang's), the vibe has shifted. They aren't just coasting on nostalgia anymore. There’s a huge push toward what they call the "Red Carpet Hospitality Program." In plain English, that means they’re trying to make sure the service is faster and the floors aren't sticky.
The Menu Shake-up
If you haven't been in a while, the menu looks different. They finally killed off the specific "Endless Shrimp" promotion that was bleeding them dry—well, they didn't kill it entirely, but it’s no longer the $20 loss-leader that it used to be. Instead, you'll see a focus on:
- Seafood Boils: These have become the new stars. The Mariner’s Boil is a beast, packed with a Maine lobster tail, snow crab legs, a dozen shrimp, corn, and red potatoes.
- The SpendLESS Menu: A direct response to everyone complaining about inflation. You can get things like the Ultimate SpendLESS Shrimp for around $19, which hits that sweet spot for a weeknight dinner.
- New Sides: They've added things like roasted asparagus and crispy Brussels sprouts to try and compete with more modern "bistro" style places.
The Local Experience: Wait Times and Service
Let’s be real for a second. Even with the "tech overhaul" the corporate office keeps bragging about, the Murray Red Lobster can still get slammed on Friday and Saturday nights. If you show up at 6:30 PM on a Friday without a reservation, you’re looking at a 45-minute wait. Minimum.
One thing locals have noted is that the service is highly dependent on who you get. Reviewers like Amber H. have pointed out that the staff is generally helpful—shout out to the servers who actually bring extra scampi sauce when you ask—but the kitchen can occasionally get backed up when the dining room is full.
Is the Food Still Good?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a Michelin-star experience, why are you at a Red Lobster? But if you want that specific, salty, buttery comfort that only a Cheddar Bay Biscuit can provide, they are still hitting the mark.
The lobster linguine remains a fan favorite for its creaminess, though some diners have complained about the "stringy" nature of the new asparagus side. It’s a trade-off. They are trying to innovate, but people mostly come here for the classics: the Ultimate Feast and the Walt’s Favorite Shrimp.
Navigating the Murray Location
If you’re planning a visit, here’s the ground truth on the logistics.
The address is 298 East Winchester Street, Murray, UT 84107.
Parking is usually fine because the lot is shared with other retail, but it gets tricky during the holiday season because of the mall traffic right across the street. The hours are pretty standard: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM most days, with an extension to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
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Insider Tips for Red Lobster Murray UT
- Use the App: Seriously. Join the rewards program. They send out coupons for free appetizers or $10 off fairly regularly.
- Order To-Go Carefully: If you're doing DoorDash or Uber Eats, double-check your bag for the biscuits. It’s a tragedy when they forget them, and it happens more than you'd think.
- Happy Hour: They have a $2 off select starters deal during certain hours. It’s the best way to get the Lobster Flatbread without feeling the sting in your wallet.
The Verdict on the "New" Red Lobster
There was a lot of fear that the brand would turn into a ghost of its former self after the 2024 bankruptcy. Instead, the Murray location feels like it’s found its footing again. It’s not revolutionary, but it is reliable. In a world where every other restaurant is turning into a "fast-casual" concept with no servers, there’s something nice about sitting in a booth and having someone bring you a basket of warm bread.
The company is now owned by RL Investor Holdings LLC, and they've committed over $60 million to reviving the brand. You can see it in the small things—new plates, updated uniforms, and a cleaner interior.
If you want to support a local business that survived a corporate near-death experience, head over to Winchester Street. Just make sure to call ahead or use their online "waitlist" feature before you leave the house.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Waitlist: Before you leave, check the Red Lobster website or app for the current wait time at the Murray location to skip the lobby crowd.
- Join the Rewards: Sign up for the "My Red Lobster Rewards" program before you go to earn points on your very first order.
- Plan for Mall Traffic: If you're going on a weekend, approach from the east side to avoid the main Fashion Place Mall entrance congestion.