Red Lobster shutting down Palm Desert location, employees learn Monday

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - The Red Lobster location in Palm Desert will be permanently closing soon, an employee told News Channel 3 on Monday.

Employees said they learned of the news on Monday.

"We kind of found out this morning that our restaurant is closing, and as of September 6th or 7th, we would no longer be open, and it was just news to all of us today," an employee at the restaurant said.

The restaurant first opened its doors at Highway 111 and Fred Waring in June 2012. The next nearest location will be in San Bernardino or Temecula.

In February, Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun told the Wall Street Journal that the company could close more restaurants this year in an effort to cut costs as it continues its post-bankruptcy resurgence. The company closed its oldest location in May.