Long John Silver’s and Red Lobster are using Norway lobster tails in new menu offerings.
The Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A. -based Long John Silver’s restaurant chain is bringing back a “fan favorite” for a limited time: breaded Lobster Bites made from wild-caught, 100 percent Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) tail, it said in a press release.
Long John Silver’s is “constantly listening to customer feedback and that’s why Lobster Bites have resurfaced,” LJS said.
Starting 30 August, Long John Silver’s customers can add a Lobster Bites Tail Pack on to any meal. The chain is also now offering Lobster Bites with batter-dipped wild-caught Alaskan pollock, as well as the Lobster Bites and Fish Combo with one side, two hushpuppies, and a drink. Larger options include Lobster Bites and Fish Platter with two sides and two hushpuppies; and the Lobster Bites Family Feast, an eight-piece meal of batter-dipped fish or chicken with two Lobster Bites Tail Packs, family-sized sides, and several hushpuppies.
Red Lobster is also using Norway lobster tail in one of its new “Feast” combination meals. Its Mariner’s Feast features Atlantic salmon topped with creamy langostino and Norway lobster, a grilled scallop skewer, and Walt’s Favorite Shrimp.
However, the Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.-based restaurant chain is also featuring Maine lobster tail in The Seafarer’s Feast combo, and rock lobster tail in its Harborside Lobster and Shrimp Feast.
Some restaurant operators have temporarily stopped using Maine lobster due to record high boat prices this summer. The price is more than double what it was just 10 years ago, Maine Lobster Dealers' Association Executive Director Annie Tselikis told SeafoodSource, with live lobsters going for record prices and the price of lobster meat costing even more.
Tselikis attributed the cost to soaring demand for the product, as consumers who dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year begin to buy lobster again.
Photo courtesy of Long John Silver’s