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Rapper Lil Wayne is speaking out after not being selected to perform at the Super Bowl halftime in February.
Lil Wayne expressed his heartbreak over being snubbed for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, sharing on Friday that the decision “broke” him. This came days after several fellow artists rallied in his defense, criticizing the choice to feature Kendrick Lamar as the headliner instead of the New Orleans native.
Earlier in the year, Wayne expressed great interest in headlining the halftime show, saying that he was “going to make it hard for them” not to choose him. Well, they didn’t.
Wayne admitted that he blamed himself for assuming he’d be the headliner, saying, “I automatically put myself in that position, thinking there was no better spot, no better stage or platform, especially in my city. So it hurt.”
Artists like Nicki Minaj, Master P, and Cam’ron were vocal in their disapproval earlier in the week, arguing that Wayne, as a New Orleans icon, deserved the spot. They also pointed fingers at Jay-Z, a co-producer of the halftime show, for the decision.
“It broke me, and I’m just trying to put myself back together,” Wayne shared. “But my God, y’all have helped me. Thanks to my peers, friends, family, and everyone who’s been repping me… I feel like I let everyone down by missing that opportunity, but I’m working on myself. So thank you.”
Final Word
If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
More From NolaFi.com:
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Hurricane Francine made landfall on the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.
The National Hurricane Center said tropical-storm-force winds had begun to spread across the state, and conditions would worsen throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
The storm made landfall about 5 p.m. CT in Louisiana as a dangerous Category 2 with maximum sustained winds estimated at 100 mph.
Midnight — Fox 8 reports that University City in Kenner is underwater. Also, a nearby canal overflowed and water is now in homes and cars.
Parish officials don’t know when the water will completely drain out.
9:00 pm — More than 400,000 homes and businesses are reportedly without power as the storm, now a tropical depression, moves through south Louisiana.
8:00 pm — Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. “Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” according to the National Weather Service.
7:30 pm — Areas around New Orleans, Kenner and Metairie were under a flash flood warning, according to the National Weather Service.
7:15 pm — In nearby Houma, news cameras capture flying debris and gusting winds damaging the roofs of local businesses.
7:00 pm — Hurricane Francine is downgraded to a Category 1 storm after hitting Morgan City, according to the National Hurricane Center.
6:45 pm — The City of New Orleans has issued a flash flood warning.
Power outages are being reported in the New Orleans area.
New Orleans officials had made preparation for potential flooding with 4-8 inches of rainfall expected from Francine. Nolafi.com will update you on the storm’s progress as it weakens.
Francine will bring rounds of heavy rainfall totaling 4 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts, according to the National Weather Service. This will lead to flash flooding especially in urban and poor drainage areas.
The storm is expected to weaken rapidly as rainfall, storm surge and damaging winds take their toll.
Francine is expected to become a tropical storm as it travels north up the Mississippi River.
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You don’t have to leave the kids at home in New Orleans, because there is plenty to do and see. Louisiana’s largest city is known for fun-filled entertainment.
This article will show you all of the fun things to do in New Orleans with kids and then some. You’ll enjoy the many outdoor activities that you can do with your family.
What To Do In New Orleans With Kids
New Orleans offers a variety of fun activities for kids. Here are some ideas:
Gift Card To All The New Orleans Things
Want to do all the things? Check out this Gift Card, which is valid for one year on all Fever experiences in New Orleans. Get the deal.
Audubon Zoo
Explore the zoo, home to a wide range of animals from around the world. Kids can enjoy feeding giraffes, riding a safari simulator, and visiting the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit.
Monet: The Immersive Experience
Looking for a classically artful time with the kids? Monet: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition that invites you to step into the world of the French painter Claude Monet. Check out Monet in New Orleans.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
This museum provides a hands-on learning experience for children of all ages. They can engage in imaginative play, build structures, explore exhibits related to science and nature, and participate in art activities.
Dinos Alive In New Orleans
Take a prehistoric journey that the kids will enjoy! The Dinos Alive immersive experience is one you do not want to miss. Book Dinos Alive now.
City Park
Spend a day at this expansive park that offers numerous recreational opportunities. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, riding the carousel, exploring the Botanical Garden, and taking a gondola ride on Big Lake.
There’s also a City Park Exploration Game you won’t want to miss.
Storyland: Located within City Park, Storyland features larger-than-life storybook characters and themed play areas, offering a whimsical experience for young children.
Steamboat Natchez Cruise
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 569-1401
Take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Kids will enjoy the views, live jazz music, and the chance to learn about the river’s history.
Van Gogh
The Van Gogh Immersive Experience is a must for you and your child. This 360º digital art exhibition in New Orleans that invites you to step into the universe of the Dutch genius, Vincent van Gogh and his many works of wonder. Get tickets.
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 361-7821
Step into the magical world of Mardi Gras with a visit to Mardi Gras World. Kids can tour the workshops and see the amazing floats and sculptures being created.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: Explore the natural beauty of Louisiana’s wetlands and learn about the area’s history through interactive exhibits and ranger-led programs.
New Orleans City Park Train Garden: Ride the miniature train through beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with miniature replicas of famous New Orleans landmarks.
Crescent Park
Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Take a stroll along the riverfront at Crescent Park. Kids can play on the climbing structures, enjoy the views of the Mississippi River, and have a picnic in the park.
Final Word
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in New Orleans with the kids, you should know that you have plenty of options. When it comes to New Orleans hotels, you can even get a third night free for a limited time.
The children may be yours every day or just on the weekends. Either way, they need to have fun.
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown New Orleans. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
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Legendary rapper and businessman Master P has been appointed as entertainment ambassador for the Super Bowl, which is in New Orleans early next year.
The big game will be held February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, the venue’s 11th Super Bowl and first since 2013.
In a Facebook post, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced Master P’s role, saying “I’m thrilled to announce Percy “Master P” Miller as New Orleans’ new Entertainment Ambassador! This partnership marks a pivotal moment for our city as we strive to elevate our community through meaningful initiatives that will strengthen our nighttime economy, cultural economy, and overall economic development.
“Master P, born and raised in the Calliope Projects, has significant influence in the entertainment world and beyond, advancing opportunities that will benefit us all. As we prepare for major events, this collaboration will help ensure that New Orleans remains on the world stage,” Cantrell said.
“Together, we’re building a city that honors our past and celebrates our future,” she continued.
Master P, born Percy Miller, is a highly influential figure in the music, entertainment, and business industries. Here are some of his major accomplishments:
- Founder of No Limit Records: Master P founded No Limit Records in 1991, which became one of the most successful independent record labels in hip-hop. The label released numerous platinum and gold albums, contributing significantly to the success of Southern rap.
- Music Career: As a rapper, Master P released several successful albums, including Ice Cream Man (1996) and Ghetto D (1997), which featured the hit single “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” His music played a key role in popularizing Southern hip-hop.
- Entrepreneurship: Master P is a savvy businessman with ventures in various industries, including film, television, real estate, and fashion. He created P. Miller Enterprises, which oversees his numerous business ventures.
- Film and Television: Master P has acted in and produced several films, including I Got the Hook-Up (1998) and Foolish (1999). He also starred in his reality TV show, Master P’s Family Empire.
- Basketball: Master P briefly played professional basketball, signing contracts with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors during the 1998-1999 NBA preseason.
- Philanthropy: He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including funding scholarships, supporting underprivileged communities, and disaster relief efforts.
Final Word
Master P is a good look for the city’s culture but what music acts he highlights remains to be seen.
Entertainment is a part of New Orleans’ culture for sure. from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.
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When the New Orleans Saints and Derek Carr play on TV, you can bet that it’s must-see TV. If you don’t have a ticket, you can still enjoy the game among friends at your local sports bar.
This article will show you some of the best sports bars in New Orleans.
Here Are The Best Sports Bars In New Orleans
This places all have great food, strong drinks and big-screen TVs so you won’t miss out on the action on the field. Are you ready to see where the best bars are?
Let’s go! Hut! Hut! Hut!
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
1009 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 309-6530
Here’s what one reviewer says about Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – New Orleans. “Great bar service. Mellow sports vibe. Loved it. The wings were some of the best I’ve ever had. The bread pudding was sublime. Everything was fresh and delicious. This is definitely the place to pregame.”American Sports Saloon
1200 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 300-1782
Here’s what one sports fan said about American Sports Saloon: “Great sports bar. It has many TVs showing every important sports game there is to watch at the moment. This place has pretty much every NFL game playing on Sundays during football season.”
Bullet’s Sports Bar
2441 A P Tureaud Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 948-4003
Here’s what one customer says about Bullet’s Sports Bar: “One of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a live music venue. We went on a Tuesday evening. India the bartender was super accommodating and friendly. The entire staff and customers made us feel welcome. We got to meet Kermit Ruffins too! One of the best experiences we had on our our trip to New Orleans!”
The Jimani
141 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-0493
Here’s what one customer says about The Jimani: “Visiting from South Dakota, and came in tonight after a reading a review in the fall restaurant guide. The food is awesome (Steak Po Boy on point). Incredible selection of beers and expansive menu for such a small space. Super friendly space and a ton of TVs to enjoy any sporting event. The perfect little bar, some would call it a dive bar, but it doesn’t do it justice.”
Jockey’s Pub & Sports Bar
841 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 309-9727
Here’s what one bar fan says about Jockey’s: “I have been to this place twice, once to see LSU beat Bama and last Sunday for the Saints/Carolina game. Both times I had a great experience. The volume for the games was very good so all could hear. The service was great and the folks there were amazing. I struck up some great conversation. I though by myself, had an awesome time on both occasions. Highly recommend.”
J&J’s Sports Lounge
800 France St, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 942-8877
Here’s what one bar fan says about J&J’s: “Game days look and feel different now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a cold beverage, in a great bar! Tables are spaced out, there is no standing at the bar and there is plenty of hand sanitizer on site. Each time your Saints score, you can hear the cowbells!”
Mid City Yacht Club
440 S St Patrick St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 483-2517
Here’s what one bar fan says about Mid City Yacht Club: “Great bar for casual drinks, catching a game, and goooood food. The vibe is non-pretentious and everyone, even the patrons, are friendly. Typical bar food but isn’t soggy and greasy like some places can be. Highly recommend!”
Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
3701 Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 486-9080
Here’s what one bar fan says about Finn McCool’s: “Great place to go watch the Saints game. Drinks were cheap, food was good. I definitely recommend the cheese fries!!”
Is The Saints Game Streaming Anywhere?
You can watch the New Orleans Saints games live online by going to NFL Game Pass. You can also watch the game on Fox, ABC or ESPN.
Final Word
No matter where you go to enjoy the game, the key is to have a good time and enjoy your food and drink!
Remember that waiters and waitresses across the industry make less than $3 a day unless they receive tips, so please show your gratitude for your service.
Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.
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Although Baton Rouge is a little more than an hour away, New Orleans has a huge LSU Tiger fan base. If you’re looking for a place to watch the LSU game, the Big Easy has many places.
This article will show you the best sports bars in New Orleans to watch LSU football games.
Here Are the Best New Orleans Bars To Watch LSU Football
All these sports bars have great food, ample TVs and cool customer service, which is generally hard to find in a restaurant these days. Let’s play:
MRB Bar and Kitchen
515 St Philip St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | 04) 524-2558
Here’s what one reviewer says about MRB Bar and Kitchen. “Such a great laid back bar. The service is fantastic, everyone is so nice and the chef came over to check on us multiple times to make sure we were enjoying the food. The drinks were incredible and the food is literally the best I’ve ever had. We shoveled it all down before getting a chance for pictures. We had the gumbo (best gumbo in the world hands down), chargrilled oysters, Philly steak sandwich (they have a homemade cheese sauce that is with potato salad, frachos, and crawfish Mac n cheese. I cannot recommend this place enough!”
The Rusty Nail
1100 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-5515
Here’s what one fan says about The Rusty Nail. “Great neighborhood bar in the warehouse district with an incredible whiskey selection. The staff are inviting, down to earth, and genuine. Love swinging in and they make you feel like you’re stopping by at a friend’s. Bar is warm, cozy, and charming. They have a great set up to watch LSU and Saints games! Food orders can be placed using the QR Codes for Side Car and they’ll run them over to your spot.love their wide cocktail and drink selections!”
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
1009 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 309-6530
Here’s what one reviewer says about Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – New Orleans. “Great bar service. Mellow sports vibe. Loved it. The wings were some of the best I’ve ever had. The bread pudding was sublime. Everything was fresh and delicious. This is definitely the place to pregame.”American Sports Saloon
1200 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 300-1782
Here’s what one sports fan said about American Sports Saloon: “Great sports bar. It has many TVs showing every important sports game there is to watch at the moment. This place has pretty much every NFL game playing on Sundays during football season.”
Bullet’s Sports Bar
2441 A P Tureaud Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 948-4003
Here’s what one customer says about Bullet’s Sports Bar: “One of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a live music venue. We went on a Tuesday evening. India the bartender was super accommodating and friendly. The entire staff and customers made us feel welcome. We got to meet Kermit Ruffins too! One of the best experiences we had on our our trip to New Orleans!”
The Jimani
141 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 524-0493
Here’s what one customer says about The Jimani: “Visiting from South Dakota, and came in tonight after a reading a review in the fall restaurant guide. The food is awesome (Steak Po Boy on point). Incredible selection of beers and expansive menu for such a small space. Super friendly space.
Final Word
LSU has a good team, but can they make it to the title game in the newly bolstered SEC? You can watch the LSU game for free at fubuTV, which has a 7-day trial. Watch immediately upon signup.
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We love us a good football on a Saturday and our LSU Fighting Tigers provide must-see TV these days. But where can we watch the game?
This article will show you where you can watch the game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home of the Tigers.
Where To Watch the LSU Football Game in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge offers several great spots to watch LSU football. Here are some popular bars where fans gather for games:
The Bulldog
4385 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | (225) 303-9400
Here’s what one customer says about The Bulldog in Baton Rouge. “Hands down the best pulled pork nachos in town! Yum. Love the beer selection. A great place to watch sporting events, great atmosphere and awesome staff.”
Bengal Tap Room
421 N 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | (225) 778-5479
Here’s what one reviewer says about the Bengal Tap Room. “Walking distance from the downtown hotels. Perfect spot for an after work drink or quick grub. Awesome place to watch sports with plenty of tvs and outdoor seating. Philly egg rolls were delicious and burger was so so. Fries were great. All in all cool vibe nice staff and service. Definitely recommend.”
The Chimes
- Chimes East: 10870 Coursey Blvd #4019, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
- Chimes LSU: 3357 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Located near LSU’s campus, The Chimes is a favorite among students and alumni. It has a lively atmosphere, plenty of TVs, and a great selection of food and drinks.
Here’s what one reviewer says of Chimes. “We had the best waitress, sorry I can’t remember her name. Very patient with our order there were 8 of us, and she answered all our questions and made great suggestions. The atmosphere was cool, the food was just good. My salad was ok, the lettuce wasn’t crispy, but it could have been sitting in the dressing for a while before it got to me. The Salmon was cooked medium as requested which was great. I asked for no dressing just oil and vinegar on the side, but it still had dressing.”
TJ Ribs
2324 S Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | (225) 383-7427
Known for its BBQ and casual vibe, TJ Ribs is a popular spot for game day. They offer multiple TVs and a festive environment perfect for watching LSU football.
Here’s what one customer says about TJ Ribs. “3/7/24 Wake up! Y’all are sleepin on TJ Ribs! Tons of local sports memorabillia including a freaking wall of Shaq! It was so unbelievably cool! So atmosphere is already a 30 and then I swear they had a picture of Pistol Pete too! Went for lunch and Priscilla was an amazing server! I got the smoked wings. How are they the BEST IN TOWN. Cooked to perfection, permeated with deep smoky goodness.”
The Cove
5625 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | (225) 239-7970
A laid-back bar with a relaxed atmosphere, The Cove has numerous TVs and is a great place to catch the game with fellow fans.
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Cove. “This place is top notch for craft cocktails with a *huge* selection of liquors and liqueurs. Try any of the specialty drinks or go to try a new gin/ scotch/ whiskey. The bartenders are friendly and the place is kept clean, the new outdoors seating is wonderful when the weather is cooler. Didn’t try any of the food so can’t speak on that but if it’s anything like the drinks, it should be worth it.”
Duvic’s
2854 Kalurah St, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 | (225) 336-4821
This bar features a classic, Southern charm and a friendly atmosphere, making it a good choice for game day. These spots offer a combination of great food, drinks, and a spirited environment to enjoy LSU football games.
Here’s what one customer says about Duvic’s. “Love this place. Great drinks, great staff, great atmosphere. Been coming here for almost 15 years and I still love it.”
he Rusty Nail
1100 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-5515
Here’s what one fan says about The Rusty Nail. “Great neighborhood bar in the warehouse district with an incredible whiskey selection. The staff are inviting, down to earth, and genuine. Love swinging in and they make you feel like you’re stopping by at a friend’s. Bar is warm, cozy, and charming. They have a great set up to watch LSU and Saints games! Food orders can be placed using the QR Codes for Side Car and they’ll run them over to your spot.love their wide cocktail and drink selections!”
Final Word
Sure, there are other bars in the Baton Rouge area where you can catch a game. Got a favorite? Let us know in the comments.
You can watch the Saints game for free at fubuTV, which has a 7-day trial. Watch immediately upon signup. You can also watch the LSU game for free at fubuTV. Same deal.
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A wide array of beautiful colors awaits Louisiana as the fall leaves change colors: Fall foliage will soon show some radiant hues of brown and red on the leaves.
The trees are shedding their leaves and showing a brilliant display of vibrant reds, splendid oranges and beautiful yellows. Do you want to know where to go to experience it all?
Where Is Fall Foliage In Louisiana?
If you’re a leaf watcher and want to know when and where you can watch the fall foliage change, this article will show you.
A great tool to see when the foliage will change colors in your neck of theL woods is the interactive “2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map” from Smokymountains.com.
What Is The Best Month For Fall Foliage?
In south Louisiana, November is the best month for fall foliage. That’s when the rich hues of red, brown and yellow are at their most brilliant.
The state’s climate has a large bearing on when you’ll see peak change in the leaf colors. Southern Louisiana is typically warm and humid, although this decreases as the year progresses.
Farther up in northern Louisiana, the leaves will change colors first because the daily temperature is milder.
Here is the color key to help you see which stage the hues represent. Keep in mind that the lighter the colors are the earlier in the year it is, so the green would represent early October, while the brown would be early November. Finally the dark brown, reddish color would be toward the end of November.
Once the beautiful colors began their metamorphosis, there’s no going back — so that means you don’t want to miss it!
Peak time for south Louisiana is typically late October to mid-November. That’s when you’ll catch the splendor of the leaves as they change in intensity.
Peak foliage time will also differ from parish to parish depending on their location, but there is a common color that will shift gradually from north to south and it’s truly mesmerizing to watch if you happen to document it.
The only thing that could possibly throw a wrench in your leaf-watching plans is if the weather acts up. Remember, hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30, and major storms have been known to emerge in the last week of the season. So it’s something that we’ll just have to watch.
Inclement weather won’t necessarily affect the changing leaves, but they could obscure observers from witnessing it, but let’s hope for the best!
Let’s take a look at the foliage map for New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana.
Louisiana Fall Foliage Map 2024
Where To Watch The Foliage In New Orleans
If you’re looking for some places around New Orleans to watch the fall foliage, these places are your best bet.
Lafayette Square
S Maestri Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
View this post on InstagramJackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
View this post on InstagramLa Salle Park
6600 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003
View this post on InstagramUptown
View this post on InstagramFinal Word
Color watch is always one of the more exciting times in the fall (aside from football season) because it happens gradually and you can go to the same place one week later and it will be totally different.
For the best views, remember to try to watch the leaves from higher elevations so you can see clearly. And don’t forget to bring the binoculars.
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One of the most popular restaurant chains in America — Red Lobster — continues to lose money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.
Where Are the Red Lobster Locations in Louisiana?
Red Lobster is only in two cities in Louisiana. At 6051 Bluebonnet Blvd, in Baton Rouge, 70836, and at 4601 Pecanland Mall Drive, in Monroe, 71203.
Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.
Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.
The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.
Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?
The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:
- Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
- Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
- California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
- Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
- 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
- Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
- Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
- 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
- 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
- Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
- Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
- 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
- Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
- New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
- 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
- North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
- Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
- South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
- Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
- 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
- 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
What Is the History of Red Lobster?
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.
In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.
In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.
In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.
In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.
Final Word
When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in New Orleans for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our New Orleans Seafood Guide.
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If you’re thinking about joining the world of landlords, you should know that it can be very profitable and help unlock your financial freedom.
No matter if you’re thinking about holding onto the property for some years or flipping it, you can make some serious money if you go about it the right way.
Buy Real Estate Property In Louisiana With These 7 Steps
In this article, we’re going to show you how to buy rental property so that you can make a profit, no matter what your strategy is. Speaking of that, let’s get right to a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Quick Navigation:
- Find A Real Estate Strategy
- Count Your Expenses
- Know Your Return On Investment
- Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage
- Go Property Hunting
- Make An Offer
- Close On The Property
Come Up With A Real Estate Strategy
You need to have a strategy before you buy real estate for investment purposes. If you don’t, you could find yourself over your head. Let’s talk about some profitable real estate strategies you can employ. The most popular ones are the buy-and-hold and flipping strategies.
Buy and Hold
The buy-and-hold strategy allows you to own a home for several years and allow it to appreciate over that time. If you have a tenant, you can gain additional income by collecting rent every month.
Because it is a long-term strategy, the buy-and-hold approach can allow you to make money constantly on your property.
The downside
The downside of holding onto the property is that you have to wait a long time to see a profit on your initial investment. Also, you run the risk of the market having a downturn and the property actually losing value, which may put you behind the eight ball when it comes to appreciation.
Flip That House
Home-flipping is not a new concept, but when the market experiences a down period, more investors consider this option. The idea behind flipping a home is to buy it in a distressed state or when the market is down and sell it either when the market rebounds and when sufficient improvements are made to the home so as to raise its value.
The downside
The downside of home-flipping is that you make find yourself out of a lot of cash upfront in order to fix the property. Sometimes owners never make back their original investment.
Count Your Expenses
To decide whether you can make a profit from your rental property, you have to count your expenses. You won’t know just how much money you’ll need to generate until you make a list of things you’ll be paying for on a monthly and yearly basis.
Try to evaluate the home to see what the expenses could be. Does it need a new roof? Will you be pouring concrete or reshaping the driveway?
Here is a list of some expenses you may incur:
- Maintenance
- Landlord insurance
- Property taxes
- Mortgage payment
- Utilities
After you’ve made up list, you need to add up the figures and see what your profit is.
Know Your Return On Investment
Your return on investment is a mathematical equation that real estate investors use to determine whether buying a property makes financial sense for them.
While some endeavors have very good returns in the high double-digits, in real estate you can expect anything above 10%. It’s perfectly alright to come in above that figure as well.
The truth is that your ROI will be tied to the amount of risk your budget is able to withstand. It’s different for every investor.
How To Know How Much To Charge For Rent
You might not know what you should charge for rent. A good rule of thumb is that for every $50,000 you should charge $50. So if the home is worth $250,000, you should charge $250 a week. That’s $1,000 a month.
Once you have an idea on what your ROI is, it’s time to go ahead. Now that you know what kind of money you can make, it’s time to buy the property.
Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage
The first real step to owning property is to get pre-approved for financing your mortgage. Mortgage lenders are typically going to want 20% down, especially for a rental property.
If you want a cheaper down payment, the property has to be owner-occupied. That means if you’re interested in buying a multi-family dwelling (say a duplex, triplex or some apartments) you can qualify for a down payment of around 9% give or take a point.
Go Property Hunting
Now comes the fun part: Searching for properties!
For rental properties, it’s incumbent on you to research the neighborhoods as well as the properties because some areas frown upon rental units.
For instance, if you see a multi-family property in a neighborhood with $300 homes, you may face some backlash from nearby homeowners who feel strongly that their neighborhood or street shouldn’t have different tenants rotating in and out. That’s extreme, but it does happen.
Also, when house-hunting, you need to decide whether you’re going to work with a Realtor or go it alone and look for the properties yourself. There are pros and cons to each decision, but just know that your Realtor will charge you a fee due upon the closing of the home.
Make An Offer
When you find your rental property, make sure you follow these steps so that there aren’t any problems.
- Get an appraisal: Make sure what’s listed on the appraisal fits what your eyes can see.
- Forego any major repairs: Instead of letting the seller fix the home, accept it as-is so you can buy the home for a cheaper price.
- Negotiate your contract: If there are any must-fixes or must-haves, put it in writing so that it’s contingent on the sale.
If your appraisal comes in higher than the comparable homes, congratulations: You’ve already got yourself some equity.
Close On The Property
The way a home closing typically works is that three people meet to close the deal. Although more people can be there (family, etc.), the essential parties are the seller, buyer and a real estate attorney.
At closing, the ownership of the home switches hands. This is indicated by signing the documents, including the transferring of money from escrow accounts, title fees and modifying the deed on the house.
Typically you can close about 30 days out, but you can do it much sooner if both parties agree. Once you’re all at the closing table, the deal should take one and a half to two hours.
Final Word
Becoming a landlord can be an important way to financial wealth. If you’re contemplating buying rental property in Louisiana, there’s a strategy that you have to adhere to.
If you’re thinking about purchasing some rental property in Louisiana, you should know that it’s a great investment to make for your future.
Renting property is a great way to make additional income. For some, it’s been a get-rich scheme, but oftentimes, it’s not. Go into it with your eyes wide open.
if you follow the steps, we’ve mentioned, you can purchase a rental home and everything will go smoothly. After you get the keys to your new property, remember to change the locks. But not before you enjoy a nice bottle of champagne at closing.
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