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Darden Restaurants has announced that it will close the Bahama Breeze restaurant chain, marking the end of the popular Caribbean-themed dining brand in the United States. The announcement was made in a news release issued on February 3.
Bahama Breeze currently operates 28 locations across the US. According to Darden, 14 locations will permanently close, while the remaining half will be converted into other Darden-owned brands. Darden Restaurants’ portfolio includes well-known names such as Olive Garden, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Seasons 52.
“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in its statement.
The company had already closed one-third of Bahama Breeze locations and explored “strategic alternatives,” including a potential sale of the brand, throughout 2025. Ultimately, Darden decided to discontinue the brand entirely.
The restaurants slated for closure will cease operations on April 5, while locations being converted will continue operating until temporary closures are required for rebranding and renovation.
Most of the affected locations are in Florida, where Bahama Breeze originally launched in the 1990s. However, closures and conversions will also impact several other states, including Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
Darden emphasized that its primary focus moving forward is on supporting team members, with efforts underway to place as many employees as possible into roles within other Darden restaurants.
While the company has not yet disclosed which specific brands will replace Bahama Breeze at the conversion sites, the announcement signals a strategic shift as Darden streamlines its operations and focuses on higher-performing concepts.
The closure marks the end of an era for a brand once known for its tropical atmosphere, island-inspired cocktails, and Caribbean-style cuisine.
