Red Lobster CEO Responds to Plies’ Microwave Boil Joke with Spicier Seafood and Real Changes [Video]

Red Lobster’s seafood boils made their return in June as part of this year’s Crabfest.

The two featured options, the Sailor’s Boil and Mariner’s Boil, came seasoned with garlic butter, Cajun butter, and Old Bay. This launch marked a full year since the company avoided bankruptcy and was meant to be a big win. But not everyone was impressed.

The reviews were mixed, with some praising the comeback and others calling the flavors bland. Rapper Plies didn’t hold back either. He posted a video earlier this week, joking that the boils looked like they were reheated and even went as far as calling them “vegan boils.” He admitted he hadn’t tasted them, but the post gained attention fast.

Two days later, CEO Damola Adamolekun used TikTok to respond. He started by thanking the customers who supported the new menu, but didn’t ignore the negative feedback. He said people wanted more intensity and stronger seasoning.

@redlobster We’ve seen your comments. Spice it your way. Boils just got personal! #seafoodboil #seafoodlover #ceo ♬ Assumptions – Sam Gellaitry

To address the complaints, Red Lobster is now offering more flavor options. Customers can choose between the original seasoning, a spicy version, or an extra spicy one. Adamolekun said his personal pick is the extra spicy. The menu will also include a new blend of Old Bay and parmesan for a sharper, cheesier kick.

He gave credit to his team for making these changes in just a few days, and encouraged customers to keep the feedback coming. He ended the video by saying, “Stay hungry, keep commenting and we’ll keep cracking.”

Adamolekun, who previously ran P.F. Chang’s, is also the youngest CEO in Red Lobster history. Since stepping into the role, he has stayed active on social media, using it as a tool to directly connect with customers and quickly respond to criticism.

The quick turnaround shows Red Lobster is serious about staying in the conversation and keeping the menu competitive.

Whether the upgraded boils will win over skeptics remains to be seen, but the chain is clearly not backing down.