Red Lobster to remodel 50 locations

New York City Despite the recession, Red Lobster is moving ahead aggressively with makeovers for its restaurants. The chain plans to remodel 50 locations to its coastal Maine-inspired store design this year, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Executives with Darden Restaurants, owners of Red Lobster, discussed the renovation plans during a conference call Wednesday about the company's fourth-quarter and annual earnings report, released Tuesday.

Darden executives did not disclose locations of restaurants scheduled for the makeover. They also would not give specifics about the success of the restaurants remodeled so far, but described results as encouraging.

Darden also is remodeling its LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants, the report said. At least 30 LongHorn Steakhouses will get a new look.

As with Red Lobster, the new LongHorn design has a more sophisticated image. Both renovations give the restaurants a less cluttered look.