June 10, 2026
Damola Adamolekun says synthetic intelligence will play a central function in Purple Lobster’s turnaround technique
As Purple Lobster continues its restoration from chapter, CEO Damola Adamolekun is betting that synthetic intelligence will assist rework the enduring seafood chain right into a extra environment friendly, modern, and aggressive enterprise.
Throughout a stay fireplace chat on The Black Cash Tree Podcast, Adamolekun outlined his imaginative and prescient for making Purple Lobster “probably the most AI-forward restaurant firm that exists,” signaling that rising expertise can be a key element of the model’s long-term turnaround technique.
“AI is essential. I do know lots of people are petrified of it or don’t need to take care of it, however it’s important to. It’s altering the sport in an incredible means … I’m making an attempt to be probably the most AI-forward restaurant firm that exists,” he instructed host Jerome D. Love.
The dialog comes as Purple Lobster continues rebuilding after submitting for Chapter 11 chapter safety in 2024. Adamolekun, who beforehand served as CEO of P.F. Chang’s and helped drive the corporate to greater than $1 billion in annual income, was tapped to guide the seafood large via one of the difficult durations in its historical past.
Talking on the podcast, the 37-year-old funding banker burdened that enterprise leaders can not afford to disregard synthetic intelligence. He additionally shared that Purple Lobster Chief Working Officer Larry Konecny envisions AI-generated restaurant efficiency reviews that might present vital metrics earlier than visiting a location, decreasing handbook work, and bettering decision-making.
“My COO was like, ‘What if once I went to a restaurant, I might have AI pull all of the related metrics of that restaurant, laid it out for me in a deck, and once I stroll in, I’ve received all the pieces I want proper there versus having my workforce do it,’” he stated. “There’s a whole lot of ‘everyone’s received concepts’ for those who give them the empowerment to provide you with them. So, I’m letting every division provide you with their very own concepts, and I’m simply encouraging it and letting them do it,” he continued.
“AI is clever sufficient to do this for us and be taught from the previous and be taught going ahead and be extra correct. So, we’ll roll that out and assist folks be higher at their jobs. So, I’m discovering alternatives to do it from an organization degree that I’m letting the workforce discover alternatives to make themselves higher,” he added.
Adamolekun stated he’s encouraging departments throughout the group to determine sensible methods the expertise can enhance operations. Human assets groups, for instance, might use AI to help with evaluations, calculations, displays, and coaching supplies.
Past administrative features, Adamolekun revealed that Purple Lobster plans to deploy AI instruments for gross sales forecasting, food-order planning, and worker scheduling. He believes the expertise can enhance accuracy by studying from historic knowledge and adapting over time.
“I do suppose we’ll be in all probability the most effective AI firm,” Adamolekun stated. “As a result of I don’t know that anyone’s pushing it as arduous as I’m.”
Adamolekun’s push towards innovation comes as Purple Lobster continues to streamline its footprint following monetary troubles. Earlier this month, the corporate introduced plans to shut its flagship Instances Sq. restaurant after 23 years, citing extended development that lowered visibility and foot site visitors, in addition to the constructing’s deliberate conversion into residential housing, Enterprise Insider reviews. The closure follows the current shutdown of Purple Lobster in Tallahassee, Florida, which opened in 1970 and closed in Could, reviews NBC New York.
Based on Fortune, Purple Lobster presently operates round 550 eating places, down from roughly 700 areas a couple of years in the past. The downsizing might not be over. In February, Adamolekun instructed The Wall Road Journal that the corporate plans to proceed closing underperforming areas as a part of its broader technique to strengthen worthwhile eating places, modernize operations, and place the enduring seafood chain for long-term development.
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