Orlando, FL-based Darden Restaurants announced on Feb. 3 that it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants. It plans to convert the remaining 14 locations into another Darden brand.
Darden had said last June that the tropical-themed Bahama Breeze was no longer a strategic priority, and that it would consider other options such as a potential sale of the brand or converting restaurants to other Darden brands. It had closed 15 of its Bahama Breeze locations in May.
The 14 restaurants designated for permanent closure are expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026. The company did not disclose the specific brands would be turned into Bahama Breeze restaurants, but it will happen over the next 12 to18 months. Darden owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, and Eddie V’s.
Bahama Breeze, founded by Darden in 1996, specializes in Caribbean-inspired food and handcrafted tropical drinks with a vibrant island atmosphere. Bahama Breeze had operated 43 units at its peak in 2019.
