Bridgeton has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century, when it was first settled by French and Spanish colonists. It was originally named Marais des Liards and later Village à Robert, after Robert Owen, who received a land grant from the Spanish government. In 1843, it was incorporated as Bridgeton, in honor of the many bridges that spanned the nearby Missouri River.
Over time Bridgeton’s prominence grew as St. Louis County continued to expand. It is a second-ring suburb of Greater St. Louis and serves as the primary transport hub within the region, as it’s right next door to St. Louis Lambert International Airport. It is also home to a vibrant retail corridor and an industrial base.
Because of this economic diversity, Bridgeton has a strong outlook, thanks to its strategic location and low taxes. It has a median income of $60,000 and a trade area of more than 1 million people. With its quick access to the airport, Bridgeton has a strong industrial job base, boasting nearby companies such as Boeing, GKN Aerospace, Hunter Engineering, Virbac, and others.
More importantly, Bridgeton’s location serves as a magnet for locals who enjoy easy access to shopping, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Bridgeton Crossing Family Aquatic Park, and all the amenities along the Missouri River.
For years, as Bridgeton grew, Red Lobster grew right along with it. Red Lobster is a global leader in seafood dining, with more than 700 restaurants in over ten countries. The company, which is based in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 1968 by Bill Darden, a visionary entrepreneur who wanted to make quality seafood accessible and affordable for everyone. Today, Red Lobster is known for its fresh, delicious, and responsibly-sourced seafood, as well as its iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Valuing their impact on the community they serve, they donate unused, wholesome food to local food pantries and community organizations every week through their RL Shares program. They also support the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to children with critical illnesses throughout the area. As a company that Forbes called one of the best large employers in America in 2023, their biggest contribution to Bridgeton is providing a variety of career opportunities that offer competitive pay, insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more.
