Auburn’s Shrimp Basket closes as chain pivots to coastal roots

AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) – The Shrimp Basket location in Auburn has closed its doors after serving the area for more than 13 years.

Located at 1651 S. College St. in the Tiger Crossing shopping center—a site that originally housed a Hooters restaurant—the casual seafood eatery had been a staple for diners, offering oysters, po-boys, gumbo and shrimp specials under its signature tagline, “We’re Grillin’, Steamin’, & Fryin’.”

Shrimp Basket on South College Street in Auburn has permanently closed its doors.(Source: WTVM)

A sign posted on the front entrance door reads:

“Thank you for the memories, Auburn! While this location of Shrimp Basket is permanently closed, we hope you visit us on your next trip to the beach!”

A sign posted on the door thanks guests as the Auburn Shrimp Basket permanently closes.(Source: WTVM)

The closure is part of a broader corporate decision by parent company Artistry Restaurants, which shuttered six Shrimp Basket locations effective Sunday, Nov. 1.

Alongside the Auburn spot, five other locations were closed, including Alabama sites in Bay Minette, Cullman, Gardendale and Tuscaloosa, as well as the Warrington location in Pensacola, Florida.

Artistry Restaurants, which acquired the Shrimp Basket brand in May 2020, stated that the decision reflects a strategic shift to refocus resources on its coastal and beachside establishments.

Signage for Shrimp Basket along South College Street in Auburn.(Source: WTVM)

“Upon re-evaluation and reflection, we decided that our strength comes from our origins as a true coastal seafood restaurant and that returning to our roots as a brand, while directing our resources and future investments towards our beach and coastal locations, will best serve our teams and guests,” said Bryan Lockwood, CEO of Artistry Restaurants, in a press release.

According to the company’s website, 12 Shrimp Basket locations remain open across south Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Artistry Restaurants stated it is working with affected staff members to identify transfer opportunities to other locations within the company.