Lobster tails are considered a delicacy by seafood lovers across the world. With their sweet, succulent meat and elegant presentation they make a fantastic centerpiece for any special occasion. As you can imagine, they don’t come cheap at regular grocery stores. So where can you find affordable lobster tails to indulge in this luxurious treat? Look no further than Restaurant Depot.
Restaurant Depot is a popular warehouse club that offers incredible deals on bulk quantities of food products and supplies to restaurants caterers, and other foodservice businesses. During the pandemic they began allowing regular households to shop there as well. This presents a unique opportunity to access lobster tails and other high-end ingredients at wholesale prices.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know about purchasing lobster tails from Restaurant Depot, including:
- An introduction to Restaurant Depot
- Typical pricing of lobster tails at Restaurant Depot
- Useful tips for shopping at Restaurant Depot as a household customer
- Whether Restaurant Depot is worthwhile for buying lobster tails
Let’s dive in!
For those unfamiliar, Restaurant Depot is a wholesale cash and carry foodservice supplier with over 180 locations across the United States. They sell thousands of restaurant-grade ingredients and supplies at low wholesale prices.
Restaurant Depot is like Costco on steroids. The stores are massive, with tall ceilings and industrial shelving that stretch on for acres. You can find everything from fresh produce, meat and seafood to kitchen equipment, disposables, and cleaning supplies.
While membership used to be restricted to restaurants and foodservice businesses, COVID-19 restrictions led Restaurant Depot to open up purchasing to non-members. This gives regular households a chance to shop like the pros and save big!
How Much Do Lobster Tails Cost At Restaurant Depot?
So how much can you expect to pay for lobster tails at Restaurant Depot? Here are some typical prices:
- Whole raw lobster tails: $25.99 per pound
- Frozen lobster tails: $13.99 per pound
- Live lobsters: $8.49 per pound
To give you an idea, a 1.5 pound bag of frozen lobster tails would cost about $21 at Restaurant Depot. The same amount of lobster meat would easily cost you $50 or more at a local grocery store or seafood market!
The exact pricing does vary by location and availability. But in general, you can reliably source high-quality lobster tails for 30-50% less than retail costs. For seafood lovers, the savings add up quick.
Helpful Tips for Shopping at Restaurant Depot
Restaurant Depot can be overwhelming if you’ve never shopped in a warehouse club before. Here are some tips to make your shopping trip smooth:
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Get a one-day pass at the door. You can enter as a guest without a membership. Just request a day pass at the front desk.
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Bring your own boxes and bags. Restaurant Depot doesn’t provide shopping bags or boxes. Bring your own or you’ll have to carry items loose to your car.
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Wear closed-toe shoes. For safety in the warehouse environment, Restaurant Depot requires closed-toe shoes for shoppers.
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Ask the front desk for help finding items. Don’t spend too much wandering aimlessly. The employees up front can direct you to specific products.
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Focus on non-perishable goods. Since you’re buying in bulk, focus on frozen foods like lobster tails with a long shelf life.
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Review sell-by dates. Restaurant Depot moves a lot of inventory, so always double check expiration dates before purchasing.
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Have a plan. Make a shopping list beforehand and know exactly what you need. This will prevent overbuying in the exciting warehouse environment.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of the Restaurant Depot shopping experience.
Is Restaurant Depot Worth It for Buying Lobster Tails?
At the end of the day, is saving 30-50% off retail prices worth a trip to Restaurant Depot? For lobster tail enthusiasts, the answer is a resounding yes!
Here are some of the biggest benefits of buying lobster tails at Restaurant Depot:
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Huge cost savings – You just can’t beat their wholesale club prices on seafood. The savings add up quickly if you entertain and cook lobster often.
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High-quality options – You can choose from live lobsters, raw tails, or frozen tails from premium suppliers like Boston and Maine.
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Bulk buying – No more being limited to 2 sad tails in a tiny package at the grocery store. Load up on pounds of tails in one trip.
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One-stop shopping – Get all your party food, sides, decorations, and alcohol to pair with the lobster tails in one place.
The only downside is that you need to buy in larger quantities. For a special occasion or to stock up your freezer, Restaurant Depot is absolutely worth checking out to save big on lobster.
Next time you’re planning a surf and turf dinner or lobster bake, be sure to check your local Restaurant Depot first. You’ll be able to indulge in this luxurious seafood delicacy without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lobster Tails at Restaurant Depot
Still have some questions about purchasing lobster tails at Restaurant Depot? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Do you need a membership to buy from Restaurant Depot?
No, Restaurant Depot allows non-members to shop with a day pass. Simply request one at the front door.
What types of lobster tails does Restaurant Depot sell?
You can find whole raw tails, frozen tails, and live lobsters. Popular varieties include Maine, Boston, and spiny lobster tails.
How long do the lobster tails last fresh?
If properly stored, fresh raw tails will last 24-48 hours after purchasing. Frozen tails can last 4-6 months in the freezer.
Can regular households buy alcohol at Restaurant Depot?
Unfortunately, Restaurant Depot can only sell beer, wine, and spirits to customers with active business licenses. Households cannot purchase alcohol.
Does Restaurant Depot offer live shellfish like crabs or oysters?
No, due to food safety regulations, Restaurant Depot does not sell any live shellfish besides lobsters to regular households.
What are Restaurant Depot’s standard business hours?
Most Restaurant Depot warehouses are open from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday. Hours are more limited on Sundays.
Get Your Lobster Tail Fix at Restaurant Depot
From graduations to anniversaries, lobster tails are the perfect way to commemorate any special milestone. With their sweet tender meat and elegant presentation, they make a lavish impression at your next dinner party or date night in.
Thanks to Restaurant Depot, you can now source premium lobster tails at a fraction of the usual cost. Their unbelievable wholesale prices make it affordable to incorporate this luxury ingredient into your everyday cooking.
The next time your seafood cravings strike, skip the grocery stores and head directly to Restaurant Depot first. We promise you won’t find a better deal on lobster anywhere else. Happy feasting on this succulent surf and turf delicacy!