Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The United States culinary scene was once again shocked by the news of the mass closure of Bahama Breeze restaurants.
Darden Restaurants, the parent company behind the brand, confirmed that all 28 remaining Bahama Breeze locations would be impacted by this strategic decision.
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This move followed a thorough review of the company's business priorities and a significant decline in sales.
The announcement of the Bahama Breeze closures was made in February 2026, stating that 14 locations would permanently close on April 5, 2026.
“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in a statement, per The U.S. Sun.
“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.”
Bahama Breeze Closure and Conversion Plan
Darden Restaurants has confirmed that all 28 remaining Bahama Breeze locations will be affected by this new strategy.
Of these, 14 locations are scheduled to close permanently on April 5, 2026.
Meanwhile, the remaining 14 Bahama Breeze locations will undergo conversion to other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months.
Darden has not yet disclosed the specific brands that will replace the converted locations, but its portfolio includes major names such as 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.
List of Affected Bahama Breeze Locations
While the widely announced closure date is April 5, 2026, some locations have closed earlier, such as Sanford, Florida, and Kissimmee, Florida, which ceased operations on March 15, 2026.
The following is a list of locations permanently closed as of April 5, 2026:
- Delaware: Newark (500 Center Blvd.)
- Florida: Miami (12395 SW 88th St.), Jacksonville (10205 Rivercoast Drive), Kissimmee (1251 West Osceola Pkwy.), Pembroke Pines (11000 Pines Blvd.), Sanford (1540 Rinehart Road).
- Georgia: Duluth (3590 Breckenridge Blvd.)
- Michigan: Livonia (19600 Haggerty Road)
- New Jersey: Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38)
- North Carolina: Raleigh (3309 Wake Forest Drive)
- Pennsylvania: King of Prussia (320 Goddard Blvd.), Pittsburgh (6100 Robinson Center Drive).
- Virginia: Woodbridge (2714 Potomac Mills Circle)
- Washington: Tukwila (15700 Southcenter Pkwy.)
Meanwhile, the following locations will be converted to other Darden brands:
- Florida: Altamonte Springs (499 E. Altamonte Drive), Brandon (805 Brandon Town Center Drive), Fort Myers (14701 S. Tamiami Trail), Kissimmee (8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.), Lutz (25830 Sierra Center Blvd.), four locations in Orlando (5620 W. Oak Ridge Road, 8849 International Drive, 8735 Vineland Ave., 1200 N. Alafaya Drive), and Tampa (3045 N. Rocky Point Drive East).
- Georgia: Kennesaw (755 Earnest W. Barrett Pkwy. NW)
- North Carolina: Fayetteville (570 Cross Creek Mall)
- South Carolina: Charleston (7811 Rivers Ave.)
- Virginia: Virginia Beach (4554 Virginia Beach Blvd.)
About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, the parent company, announced in February 2026 that the Bahama Breeze brand was no longer a top strategic priority.
This decision was based on an in-depth strategic review and driven by a 7.7% sales decline in 2024.
Bahama Breeze was first established in 1996 in Orlando, Florida, with a restaurant concept offering Caribbean island-themed cuisine and ambiance.
The restaurant quickly became known for its signature menu featuring seafood, chicken, steak, and a variety of tropical drinks.
During its heyday, Bahama Breeze successfully expanded its network to over 40 locations across the United States.
The brand offered an "island escape" for its diners, creating a unique and engaging dining experience.