Red Lobster diners loved 'Endless Shrimp.' Just don't ask the waiters about it.

"During the promotion, diners would sit there and eat shrimp for two and a half hours, turning what should be a standard order into essentially a 22-course meal without a bigger bill to match. You make less money for twice as much work, calling the experience hell for servers."

"Customers would game the system, ordering refill after refill, lingering at tables, and trying to take food home against the rules. The special often drew in people who weren't going to tip and would try to share food, not the kind of repeat customers the chain or its employees wanted."

"When Red Lobster made the intermittent promotion a permanent part of the menu several years ago, the chain said it cost $11 million in losses in three months. CEO Damola Adamolekun had no plans to revisit the promotion despite customer demand."

The return of Red Lobster's 'Endless Shrimp' promotion has sparked concerns among former employees about increased workloads and decreased earnings. Staff reported that customers linger for hours, turning standard orders into lengthy dining experiences without corresponding tips. Former servers noted that the promotion attracts customers who do not tip well and often try to exploit the offer. The promotion previously resulted in significant financial losses for the chain, prompting skepticism about its impact on both employees and the restaurant's profitability.

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