News

Red Lobster's fast casual lunch is sinking ship

October 8, 2013

Red Lobster said this week that it is dropping Seaside Express, its version of a fast casual lunch, where lunch customers order and pay at the counter, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants had been testing the new format in two Florida restaurants but decided against expanding the program to other units, saying that its "Clear No. 1 priority is to stay focused on our core business and make the casual-dining experience the best it can be."

Applebee's is also testing a fast casual lunch option. The counter-service lunch option is available in 23 restaurants in the Kansas City, Mo., area.

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