The Red Lobster at 5 Times Square has been a prominent location in Midtown Manhattan for hungry tourists since its opening in July 2003. Occupying a three-level, 15,000-square-foot space at the corner of 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, it quickly became one of the chain’s most important stores for marketing its brand. Its presence is a direct reflection of the economic realities and strategic branding priorities that shape the Times Square culinary landscape. With retail real estate commanding astronomical rents in this area, the financial capacity and extensive backing of large corporations enable chains like Red Lobster to secure and maintain locations that would be impossible for most independent or local eateries. Beyond revenue generation, operating in Times Square provides invaluable global brand recognition and marketing exposure due to the immense daily foot traffic. This location, though not providing unique local food to visitors, does provide a familiar dining option for the millions of visitors who frequent the area.

5 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
By Joseph Rippo, Brandon Phiong, and Sebastian Wissa
Since 2003, this Red Lobster location has been a part of the various recognizable restaurant chains that fill Times Square, serving the countless tourists who visit.
Campus: Hunter College
Professor: Professor Michael Benediktsson
Location: 5 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036
References: Bhatt, Meet. n.d. “What Is Familiarity Bias? Definition & Example.” Octet Design Journal. https://octet.design/journal/familiarity-bias/.
Birch, Dawn, and Juliet Memery. 2020. “Tourists, Local Food and the Intention-behaviour Gap.” Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management 43 (February): 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.02.006.
Chatterjee, Sandeep, and Paramita Suklabaidya. 2021. “Gap Between Perception and Satisfaction: Exploring Food Tourism in New York.” International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems 14 (1): 90–97. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20203536173?q=(similar%3a20103148250).
Jarvie, Barbara. 2003. “World’s Largest Applebee’s to Debut in NYC.” Benefitspro.Com, September 29, 2003. https://www.globest.com/2003/09/29/worlds-largest-applebees-to-debut-in-nyc/.
Magtoto, Dominador Jr. Interview by Joseph Rippo. March 2025.
“Market Research & Data | Times Square NYC.” n.d. https://www.timessquarenyc.org/business-community/market-research-data.
Sengel, Tarık, Ayşen Karagoz, Gurel Cetin, Fusün Istanbullu Dincer, Suna Mugan Ertugral, and Mehtap Balık. 2015. “Tourists’ Approach to Local Food.” Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences 195 (July): 429–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.485.
Vianna, Carla. 2019. “NYC Restaurant Lease Deals Are Getting Tougher to Find, Owners Say.” Eater NY, January 11, 2019. https://ny.eater.com/2019/1/11/18178358/restaurant-rent-nyc-calculation-closings.

References

Bhatt, Meet. n.d. “What Is Familiarity Bias? Definition & Example.” Octet Design Journal. https://octet.design/journal/familiarity-bias/.

Birch, Dawn, and Juliet Memery. 2020. “Tourists, Local Food and the Intention-behaviour Gap.” Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management 43 (February): 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.02.006.

Chatterjee, Sandeep, and Paramita Suklabaidya. 2021. “Gap Between Perception and Satisfaction: Exploring Food Tourism in New York.” International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems 14 (1): 90–97. https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20203536173?q=(similar%3a20103148250).

Jarvie, Barbara. 2003. “World’s Largest Applebee’s to Debut in NYC.” Benefitspro.Com, September 29, 2003. https://www.globest.com/2003/09/29/worlds-largest-applebees-to-debut-in-nyc/.

Magtoto, Dominador Jr. Interview by Joseph Rippo. March 2025.

“Market Research & Data | Times Square NYC.” n.d. https://www.timessquarenyc.org/business-community/market-research-data.
Sengel, Tarık, Ayşen Karagoz, Gurel Cetin, Fusün Istanbullu Dincer, Suna Mugan Ertugral, and Mehtap Balık. 2015. “Tourists’ Approach to Local Food.” Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences 195 (July): 429–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.485.

Vianna, Carla. 2019. “NYC Restaurant Lease Deals Are Getting Tougher to Find, Owners Say.” Eater NY, January 11, 2019. https://ny.eater.com/2019/1/11/18178358/restaurant-rent-nyc-calculation-closings.

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