John Oliver, the sharp-witted host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, recently made headlines beyond his usual political commentary, this time dipping into the world of seafood restaurants and local Kingston, NY news. In a segment that has garnered national attention, Oliver revealed that his show had purchased all the kitchen equipment and furniture from the now-shuttered Red Lobster in Kingston, specifically the Miron Lane location. This unexpected acquisition at auction wasn’t just for laughs; it was a clever set piece to highlight a more serious issue: the economic impact of private equity firms on beloved franchises like Red Lobster.
In a segment that quickly went viral, Oliver showcased the Red Lobster equipment, creating a makeshift, biscuit-centric pop-up. “What we do want to do is give people the single item that they want most from Red Lobster and that is the biscuits,” Oliver quipped. He offered these sought-after biscuits for just a dollar each, emphasizing the limited, biscuit-only menu. This humorous approach, however, served a deeper purpose, aiming to illuminate the broader economic trends affecting restaurant chains and the communities they serve, including places like Kingston.
While many viewers found Oliver’s Red Lobster Kingston stunt amusing and appreciated the commentary on larger economic issues, the news also resonated locally in Ulster County, where the Red Lobster was actually located. Town of Ulster Supervisor James Quigley’s office playfully pointed out the geographical nuance, stating that the Red Lobster was technically in the Town of Ulster, not Kingston itself. This lighthearted correction underscored the local angle of a story that had suddenly put the Town of Ulster on the national map, thanks to John Oliver and Red Lobster Kingston.
Adding another layer to the unfolding story, local business owner Eric Deising, of Deising’s Bakery and Restaurant, injected a touch of local entrepreneurial spirit into the narrative. Deising humorously admitted to being “one of the vultures” interested in acquiring equipment from the Red Lobster auction. He even offered a good-natured congratulation to Oliver after the comedian’s successful bid, acknowledging, “John – He’s just beating me all over the place. Congratulations on your new store.” This local business perspective highlighted the ripple effects of the Red Lobster closure and the community’s engagement with the unexpected turn of events initiated by John Oliver’s show.
The narrative took a further twist when News 12 Westchester covered Deising’s comments with a headline that sensationalized the story, proclaiming, “Kingston business owner picks fight with HBO’s John Oliver after host buys shuttered Red Lobster.” Deising swiftly responded to what he perceived as clickbait, clarifying on Facebook that his interest was merely in purchasing equipment and not in a feud with John Oliver. This episode underscores the challenges of local news reporting in the age of online media and the potential for misinterpretation, even in a story originating from a humorous segment about Red Lobster Kingston.
Beyond the humor and local banter, there was also a more somber undertone to the Red Lobster Kingston closure. Some online commentators, particularly on Facebook, expressed concern for the Red Lobster employees who lost their jobs without prior notice. This perspective served as a reminder of the real-world consequences of restaurant closures and the human impact behind the headlines and comedic segments. While John Oliver’s piece used the Red Lobster Kingston location as a vehicle for broader commentary, the local impact on employees and the community remained a significant part of the story.
For those interested in watching the Last Week Tonight with John Oliver segment on Red Lobster, it is available on HBO Max and other streaming platforms. While the segment is not currently available for free viewing in the US, its widespread discussion and local Kingston connections have ensured its reach and impact, sparking conversations about economics, local business, and even biscuit preferences, all stemming from the unexpected closure of a Red Lobster in Kingston.
