Red Lobster revamps menu with seven new items and the return of hushpuppies and popcorn shrimp

The casual dining chain is promoting the change with a commercial featuring gospel singer Pastor Shirley Caesar Red Lobster has rolled out a new menu with additional pasta, soup, sides, and seafood entrées as well as the return of hush puppies and popcorn shrimp, the Orlando, Fla.-based casual dining chain said Tuesday. The new items are: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta: Maine lobster and langostino meat with tomatoes and asparagus tossed in a garlic sauce with pappardelle pasta, $30.99 Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops: Scallops wrapped in bacon and served with spring mix, $14.99 for four and $19.49 for six Lemon Basil Mahi: Grilled mahi mahi topped with tomatoes, basil, and lemon sauce, served with two sides, $24.99 Simply Prepared Mahi: Grilled Mahi Mahi served with two sides, $22.99 Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Chicken breast with Parmesan breading topped with lemon -herb sauce, tomatoes, and basil and served with two sides, $17.99 Lobster Bisque: A creamy soup with lobster base and crackers, $6.49 for a cup, and $8.49 for a bowl Roasted Asparagus: A side of roasted asparagus, $5.49 Hush Puppies: A Southern staple of fried balls of corn batter, $3.49 Red Lobster also said that popcorn shrimp, bite-sized  battered and fried shrimp, has returned to the menu in a variety of formats, including a $7.99          kids meal with ketchup and a side, and a family-sized platter with cocktail sauce for $33.99.                  The chain of 545 restaurants has also launched a Create your Own Ultimate Feast that offers two premium picks, such as Maine lobster tail or snow crab legs, along with two shrimp dishes, such as garlic shrimp scampi or shrimp linguine Alfredo, along with two sides, for around $41.99. Red Lobster’s “Shrimp Your Way” special remains on the menu. It replaced the all-you-can-eat “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” deal that has been widely cited as a factor in the chain’s bankruptcy filing earlier this year. It offers guests a choice of two, three, or four different shrimp preparations with a side for $17, $22, and $25, respectively. Additionally, the chain is offering three limited-time cocktails for the holidays. The Snowglobe Sangria is made with St.-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Moscato wine, white cranberry juice, and a sparkling gold shimmer topped with cranberries and Starry soda, for around $9.99. The Ruby Mule, made with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka and Q ginger beer with a hint of raspberry, is around  $5. The Mocha Espresso Martini is made with RumChata, Disaronno Amaretto, and Finest Call espresso blend garnished with a brownie bite, and its price varies by location. "We're thrilled to give our guests more reasons to celebrate this season with the launch of our new menu," Nichole Robillard, who was named Red Lobster’s chief marketing officer late last month, said in a statement. “From mouthwatering new dishes and the return of beloved fan favorites to holiday-inspired sips and unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits, there's something for everyone. Come join us and make unforgettable memories with us this season." To promote the new menu, Red Lobster has hired gospel singer Pastor Shirley Caesar to sing in a TV spot promoting the new items, including the new lobster and pasta dishes as well as “crab, bacon, shrimp for the takin’.” The new menu is part of a rebuilding effort under new management led by CEO Damola Adamolekun, and new ownership by RL Investor Holdings, the company led by Fortress Investment Group that Red Lobster out of bankruptcy in September.   Contact Bret Thorn at bret.thorn@informa.com