In a major blow to communities across the United States, troubled seafood chain Red Lobster recently announced the closure of around 100 restaurants, with an additional 135 closures looming. However, the decline of Red Lobster has struck a particularly heavy chord among Black diners, as they have been a loyal and significant customer base for the brand.

According to historians, customers, and former Red Lobster executives, Black diners have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the restaurant chain. "Red Lobster cultivated Black customers. It has not shied away from that customer base like some brands have," stated Clarence Otis Jr., the former CEO of Darden Restaurants, the company that owned Red Lobster during his tenure.

Red Lobster's popularity among Black diners is evident in the fact that they still make up a higher proportion of customers compared to other major casual chain restaurants. In a 2015 investor presentation, the company revealed that 16% of its customers were Black, which was two percentage points higher than their representation in the overall US population.

The brand's appeal to the Black community can be traced back to its early days in the late 1960s. Red Lobster was among the few sit-down restaurants in that era that welcomed Black patrons at a time when many establishments were unwelcoming or even segregated. The chain's early locations near shopping malls further aided its growth among Black customers, offering a fine dining-like experience without concerns over potential discrimination.

Red Lobster's commitment to diversity also extended to its hiring practices, with many Black employees finding employment within the chain. Notably, Black celebrities, including Chris Rock and Nicki Minaj, worked at Red Lobster before their rise to fame.

Beyoncé's hit song "Formation" further highlighted the cultural significance of Red Lobster within the Black community. The lyrics mention taking a romantic partner to the restaurant, intertwining the dining experience with broader themes of Black culture, police brutality, and social issues in America.

While there are claims that Red Lobster's founder, Bill Darden, adopted a progressive stance towards racial integration, some of these accounts have been disputed. Despite corporate lore claiming that Darden's first restaurant, the Green Frog, was desegregated, Black residents of Waycross, Georgia, recall a different reality. They remember the Green Frog as not welcoming Black customers, reflecting the racial norms of the time.

Although Black customers didn't immediately frequent Red Lobster, the chain gradually built a strong relationship with them as it expanded across the South and the country. Red Lobster's reputation for being friendly and open to Black diners, coupled with its delicious seafood offerings, played a significant role in its popularity within the community.

The closure of Red Lobster restaurants leaves a substantial impact on Black communities, who have long considered the chain a symbol of both culinary delight and cultural significance. Many Black diners mourn the loss of this beloved establishment, which provided not just delicious food but also a sense of status and community.

As Red Lobster continues to navigate its challenges, it remains to be seen how the closure of more restaurants will affect these loyal customers and the legacy of Red Lobster within the Black community.