Red Lobster Finds New COO

Red Lobster has hired Larry Konecny as COO as it works on a turnaround.

Konecny has 30 years of experience in restaurant operations. He most recently served Maggiano’s Little Italy where, as COO and chief concept officer, he helped the brand through a period of “record-breaking sales and profit growth,” the release says. He also spent time at Maggiano’s as vice president of innovation and restaurant support.

In his new role at Red Lobster, Konecny will lead the operational strategy for the brand’s 545 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Reporting directly to CEO Damola Adamolekun, he will drive initiatives to deliver elevated food quality, customer service and operational efficiency, while fostering a culture rooted in teamwork and excellence.

“Larry brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and a genuine understanding of what it takes to build strong restaurant brands,” Adamolekun says. “As Red Lobster advances on its comeback journey, having a world-class operations leader is essential. Larry’s impressive track record and authentic leadership style make him the perfect fit for this role.”

In September, Red Lobster shared it was nearing its exit from bankruptcy, and had received new funding to reinvigorate the brand.