🦞Jackson's Red Lobster May Be Closing!🦞

Happy Mother’s Day Jackson! We’re going to cut to the chase on this one so you can spend more time with that special one of a kind Mom of yours today! 💐 Now we know in Jackson, Red Lobster is a fan favorite for Mother’s Day so if you are going today be sure you enjoy it. Sadly we must inform you that it could be the last year you can celebrate Mother’s Day at Red Lobster in the Hub City! Fun Fact: Last month officially made 56 years since the founding of Red Lobster.  

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Red Lobsters Identity Crisis 🦞

• The Local Impact On Jackson 🏘️

• UPDATE MAY 30th 2024

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Let’s Begin!

We all know that Red Lobster is often slammed on Mother’s Day and this year will be no different. But rumors have been swirling for awhile now about Red Lobsters inability to adapt to the changing market. But we officially know that these are no longer rumors as the legacy company is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy if they cannot find a buyer for the chain. 💸 

As a hub city in West Tennessee, Jackson has been a hotspot for various national chains. But this potential closure marks another hit after Chili's unsurprisingly shuttered its doors on February 9th of this year. Everyone in Jackson who is honest knows that Chili’s closing was a longtime coming. 😅 

Red Lobster just like Chili’s has been a staple in Jackson for years and although we only have one location, the impact of its closure would be massive. This could easily signify to other restaurant brands that Jackson may not be the best fit for them. 😭 

For those who do not know Chapter 11 bankruptcy essentially gives the business the opportunity to reorganize and restructure their debts while staying open.
But here are some of their biggest hurdles:

• Food Quality - They were once known for their top quality across the brand but now it depends on what location you dine in.

• Relevance - After holding the crown for decades in the seafood space they are now struggling to remain that go to restaurant brand.

• Competition - Restaurants like Bonefish Grill, Chipotle, Texas Roadhouse, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and several others are just a few brands that are competing with Red Lobster nationally and locally.

• Better Service - The United States is a service based economy and people will always be willing to pay for good service. That’s why Jackson has 3 THRIVING Chick-Fil-A locations!

More times than not, whatever company that ends up buying Red Lobster will likely shut down several under performing locations to help trim the fat off of the struggling brand, Jackson could be one of those struggling locations!

The potential closure of our Red Lobster will not only affect jobs but also have a ripple effect on suppliers, landlords, and the overall economy of Jackson. We will be keeping a close eye on this situation as it unfolds, so be sure to keep a look out for our future emails every Sunday.

UPDATE MAY 30th 2024

• 🏛️Class Action Lawsuit: Red Lobster has been hit with a proposed class action lawsuit from former employees who were laid off without warning. The lawsuit claims that Red Lobster violated federal and New Jersey employment laws. If this suit gets nationwide certification Red Lobster will be dealing with a whole new problem. 🤕 

• 🔍Investigation Into Thai Union (Previous 49% shareholder of Red Lobster): You have probably never heard of Thai Union but you will have heard of some of their brands like Chicken of the Sea, John West and Genova. Thai Union is a global seafood company and Red Lobster is one of their biggest suppliers of shrimp. The investigation is looking into accusations that Thai Union fired key members of Red Lobster’s management and replaced them with their own. Ended contracts with the other two breaded shrimp suppliers, making them the sole supplier of shrimp to Red Lobster. This allowed Thai Union to essentially raise their prices. Paul Kenny, the CEO that Thai Union placed in the company in 2022 made the decision to bring back “Endless Shrimp” as a PERMANENT menu item despite it being unprofitable. The only company that would seem to benefit from this would be Thai Union!

• 🎬️ How Red Lobster Can Make A Come Back: A Movie…yes A Movie! 😅 Hear us out for a moment! This would not be a direct movie about Red Lobster but about its Founder Bill Darden, who opened his first restaurant The Green Frog in 1938 at the age of 19. Guess what was going on during this time? Segregation and Darden out right refused to segregate his restaurant! This is the American Story of someone choosing to do the right thing despite the backlash. This is the foundation that he laid that eventually would become the first Red Lobster that he opened in 1968.

Now from one exciting topic to another, here is your week of curated events from May 13th - May 19th. Don’t forget to share this with someone so they can also joined The HubCity Newsletter and have access to amazing curated content every week as well.

UPDATE: We have unfortunate news, especially since this has been one of the top 3 most popular events we have listed so far. The M. D. Anderson Planetarium will no longer be having shows. This is only temporarily and they are currently making repairs to the facility. Don’t worry! We will keep you posted so you will know when it is up and running again. 🙂 

Monday, May 13th

Murder Mystery: Solve Cold Case Murder Files 🪦 
Date: Monday, May 13th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Free Entry ($2 Pizza Slices & $2 Drink Refills)

Casey Jones Craft Camp 🎨
Date: Monday, May 13th
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

Tuesday, May 14th

Warriors Boys Basketball Open Gym 🏀
Date: Tuesday, May 14th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Poplar Heights Baptist Church
Price: Free
Age: 12 - 17 or (7th - 12th Grade)

Wednesday, May 15th

Story Time At The Museum! 📖 
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 10:30AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Preschool (3 -5 Years Old) Adult Supervision Required

Thursday, May 16th

Children’s Music Therapy With Maggie 🎹 
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 3:15 - 4:30
Location: We Rock The Spectrum (Developmental Learning Through Music)
Price: Free
Age: Under 4 & up to 8 Years Old (Adult Must Be Present.)

Friday, May 17th

Safari Park Drive-In Theater - (Concessions Available!) 📽️ 
Date: Friday, May 17th (Movie: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes)
Time: Gates Open @ 7:00 PM
Location: Safari Park (Movie Starts At Dark)
Price: $12 for adults $8 for children (2 - 12 years old)

Old Country Music With Alice! 🎶
Date: Friday, May 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free (Please Bring A Blanket To Sit On.)
Ages: Up To 5 Years Old

Saturday, May 18th

Safari Park Drive-In Theater - (Concessions Available!) 📽️
Date: Saturday, May 18th (Movie: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes)
Time: Gates Open @ 7:00 PM
Location: Safari Park (Movie Starts At Dark)
Price: $12 for adults $8 for children (2 - 12 years old)

Petting Zoo On The Farm 🐨 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free Admission ( $1 Feed Cups, Cash Only )

Bee Fest 2024 🐝 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park (Behind The Museum)
Price: Click For Pricing Information

Monday, May 13th

Murder Mystery: Solve Cold Case Murder Files 🪦 
Date: Monday, May 13th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Free Entry ($2 Pizza Slices & $2 Drink Refills)

MHDS Steak Night @ Redbones 🥩 
Date: Monday, May 13th, 20th, 27th
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Redbones
Price: $8.99 6oz Steak (Every $8.99 Steak & Drink Purchase = $1 Donation)
Goal: To Raise Awareness For Mental Health. Donations Will Go To Mental Health & Departmental Services (MHDS)

Tuesday, May 14th

Warriors Boys Basketball Open Gym 🏀
Date: Tuesday, May 14th
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Poplar Heights Baptist Church
Price: Free
Age: 12 - 17 or (7th - 12th Grade)

Wednesday, May 15th

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Jackson Tennessee 🧩
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 11:00 AM (1-2 Hrs - Time Based On How Long It Takes To Solve.)
Location: 119 East College Street (Must Register On Website)
Price: $49.99 Per Team

Thursday, May 16th

Party In The Parking Lot (Free Food & Discounts On Camping Gear) 🥳 
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Camping World
Price: Free

Annie Jr (Presented By The Jackson Madison County School System K - 8th Grade Students.) 🎭️ 
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Liberty High School
Price: $10 (General Admission)

Friday, May 17th

Old Country Music With Alice! 🎶
Date: Friday, May 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free
Ages: Up To 5 Years Old

Safari Park Drive-In Theater - (Concessions Available!) 📽️ 
Date: Friday, May 17th (Movie: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes)
Time: Gates Open @ 7:00 PM
Location: Safari Park (Movie Starts At Dark)
Price: $12 for adults $8 for children (2 - 12 years old)

Annie Jr (Presented By The Jackson Madison County School System K - 8 Grade Students.) 🎭️
Date: Friday, May 17th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Liberty High School
Price: $10 (General Admission)

Saturday, May 18th

Safari Park Drive-In Theater - (Concessions Available!) 📽️ 
Date: Saturday, May 18th (Movie: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes)
Time: Gates Open @ 7:00 PM
Location: Safari Park (Movie Starts At Dark)
Price: $12 for adults $8 for children (2 - 12 years old)

2nd Annual Fishing Clinic! (Health, Fitness, and Safety Events Also On Site) 🎣 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairground (Event By Positive Force Mentoring Program.)
Price: Free (Learn Skills & The Fundamentals Of Fishing!)
Goal: To Provide A Positive Outlet For At Risk Youth.

Petting Zoo On The Farm 🐨 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Old Country Store
Price: Free Admission ( $1 Feed Cups, Cash Only )

Annie Jr (Presented By The Jackson Madison County School System K - 8 Grade Students.) 📽️ 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Location: Liberty High School
Price: $10 (General Admission)

Bee Fest 2024 🐝 
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park (Behind The Museum)
Price: Click For Pricing Information

Sunday, May 19th

VSS Dance: Showtime 2024 💃 
Date: Sunday, May 19th 
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: Free

Forest Bathing Walk (Guided Forest Therapy/Forest Bathing Walks) 🌲 
Date: Sunday, May 19th
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Trials At Union University
Price: Choose What You Pay! ($20, $35, $50)