Darden Restaurants announced it has completed a strategic review of its Bahama Breeze brand. As part of the plan, some locations will permanently close, while others will be converted into different Darden-owned concepts.
Darden Restaurants Concludes Strategic Review of Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze is a U.S.-based restaurant chain themed around Caribbean cuisine. It is known for its tropical atmosphere, a Caribbean-themed menu, rum cocktails, and specialty margaritas. Over the years, the chain had built a customer base in the selected markets in the U.S., providing guests with an island-inspired ambiance.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. stated that it has finalized its assessment of the strategic options of the Bahama Breeze brand. In a Feb. 3 news release, the company revealed its plans regarding Bahama Breeze’s future.
The company previously indicated that the chain with 28 locations was no longer aligned with its long-term strategic priorities. As a result, Darden began evaluating options, including selling the brand or repurposing the locations.
Darden confirmed it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants, with operations ending on April 5, 2026. Here’s a list of all the closing locations:
- 500 Center Blvd., Newark, DE
- 3590 Breckenridge Blvd., Duluth, GA
- 12395 SW 88th St., Miami, FL
- 10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville, FL
- 1251 West Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL
- 11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL
- 1540 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL
- 19600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI
- 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ
- 3309 Wake Forest Drive, Raleigh, NC
- 320 Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia, PA
- 6100 Robinson Center Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
- 2714 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA
- 15700 Southcenter Pkwy., Tukwila, WA
The remaining 14 locations will be converted into other restaurant concepts within Darden’s portfolio over the next 12 to 18 months. The company has not announced which brands will take over the Bahama Breeze locations.
The company said the properties are located in strong trade areas that support expansion of its existing brands. Darden said the following locations are expected to temporarily close during the conversion process:
- 499 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL
- 805 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon, FL
- 14701 S Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL
- 8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL
- 25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, FL
- 5620 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, FL
- 8849 International Drive, Orlando, FL
- 8735 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL
- 1200 N Alafaya Drive, Orlando, FL
- 3045 N Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL
- 755 Earnest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA
- 570 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville, NC
- 7811 Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC
- 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA
Darden reported that it does not expect the closures and conversions to have a significant impact on its overall financial performance. The company also emphasized its focus on supporting employees throughout the transition. The company will ensure that team members are employed in positions within its other restaurant brands wherever feasible.
Darden Restaurants’ Strong Market Presence
Darden Restaurants, Inc. operates as one of the largest full-service restaurant companies and has a diversified portfolio of well-established casual and fine-dining restaurants. The company has multiple restaurants across the country, serving millions of customers annually in a broad spectrum of dining segments.
The company’s brand portfolio comprises Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and other brands. These brands benefit from broad geographic reach, strong consumer recognition, and consistent operational performance.
With an extensive portfolio, Darden maintains a competitive position within the highly fragmented restaurant industry. The company has mentioned centralized sourcing and disciplined capital allocation as major aspects of long-term stability.
The closure of Bahama Breeze marks the end of a long-term plan by Darden Restaurants. The move is a sign of the company’s emphasis on efficiency and long-term expansion. Darden is focused on building its core brands and positioning its portfolio in the changing market conditions.
