Bahama Breeze to Shut Down Restaurants as Darden Shuts Half of Locations, Converts the Rest

Darden Restaurants says 14 Bahama Breeze locations will close by April 5 while the remaining restaurants are slated for conversion into other company brands over the next 18 months.

Haika Mrema

Published: 2/4/2026, 5:42:37 PM EST

Bahama Breeze to Shut Down Restaurants as Darden Shuts Half of Locations, Converts the Rest — A sign is posted in Downtown Broadway is seen at night in Nashville, Tenn., on April 8, 2020. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed casual dining chain, is set to exit the restaurant landscape after Darden Restaurants announced plans to permanently close or convert all remaining locations nationwide.

Darden Restaurants Inc. said Tuesday that it has completed a months-long review of strategic options for the Bahama Breeze brand and will shutter 14 restaurants while converting the remaining 14 into other Darden-owned concepts.

The decision follows an earlier move to scale back the brand and comes as the company narrows its focus to higher-performing concepts in its portfolio.

“The company has now determined that it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants and plans to convert the remaining 14 locations into another Darden brand,” the Orlando-based company said in a statement. Darden added that it does not expect the changes to have a material impact on its overall financial results.

The restaurants designated for permanent closure are expected to remain open through April 5, according to the company. Those locations span multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Delaware. Five of the closures are in Florida, while Pennsylvania and North Carolina will each lose two locations.

The remaining 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants will continue operating under the existing name while they are prepared for conversion. Darden said the transformation process is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with temporary closures possible during renovation periods. The company has not disclosed which of its brands will replace Bahama Breeze at those sites.

“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in the release.

Bahama Breeze has faced mounting pressure in recent years. In May 2025, the chain abruptly closed roughly one-third of its locations as Darden announced it was exploring alternatives for the brand, including a potential sale.

“We have made the difficult decision that these remaining locations and the Bahama Breeze brand are not a strategic priority for us,” CEO Ricardo Cardenas said during a conference call.

Darden emphasized that employees will be a priority during the transition. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio,” the company said.

While Bahama Breeze struggled to maintain momentum, Darden’s broader portfolio has remained comparatively strong. The company operates several national chains, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and The Capital Grille.