Darden Restaurants Shuts Down Bahama Breeze Chain Nationwide

After nearly three decades of serving up Caribbean-inspired fare and tropical drinks, Bahama Breeze is set to disappear from the American dining landscape. On February 3, 2026, Darden Restaurants, the Orlando-based parent company of Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and several other major brands, announced it would permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze locations and convert the remaining 14 to other brands within its extensive portfolio. The move, which will see the last Bahama Breeze restaurants shutter their doors by April 5, marks the end of a colorful chapter in U.S. casual dining.

It’s a bittersweet farewell for fans and employees alike. Bahama Breeze, which was founded in Orlando in 1996, quickly became known for its laid-back island atmosphere, live music, and signature cocktails. The chain expanded rapidly in its early years, growing to 37 locations by 2003, then shrinking to 23 by 2007. A resurgence after the Great Recession saw Bahama Breeze peak at 43 restaurants in 2019, according to Restaurant Business. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge, but the brand bounced back in 2022, even surpassing its pre-pandemic sales. Yet, the good times didn’t last. By 2024, the chain posted a 7.7% systemwide sales decline, with average sales per location at $5.7 million, as reported by Technomic.

In a statement, Darden Restaurants explained the rationale behind the decision: "The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio." The company had previously indicated that Bahama Breeze was "no longer a strategic priority" and had even explored a potential sale. Ultimately, after weighing alternatives, Darden opted to wind down the brand entirely.

The closures and conversions are spread across the country, with the 14 locations slated for closure—including the long-standing St. Johns Town Center restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida—expected to remain open until April 5, 2026. Other closing locations include sites in Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Among the conversion sites, 10 are in Florida, with others in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. Darden did not specify which of its brands would replace the Bahama Breeze locations, but its portfolio includes 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.

The decision to close and convert Bahama Breeze comes amid a tough environment for casual dining chains across the U.S. Rising costs, affordability pressures, and fierce competition from fast-casual concepts have all chipped away at the market share of traditional sit-down restaurants. According to Restaurant Dive, Darden had already closed about a third of Bahama Breeze locations in May 2025, and by June, was publicly exploring new opportunities for the brand.

Despite Bahama Breeze’s struggles, Darden’s overall performance has remained robust. In its most recent quarter, the company reported a 4.3% increase in total same-store sales, with Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse seeing gains of 4.7% and 5.9% respectively. Darden also emphasized that it does not expect the closure of Bahama Breeze to have a "material impact on its financial results." Instead, the company is focusing on integrating affected employees into other roles within its restaurant businesses. "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 stated.

The story of Bahama Breeze’s rise and fall is emblematic of broader trends in the industry. The chain’s initial success was driven by its unique positioning—a Caribbean-themed menu and festive ambiance that stood out in a crowded market. But as consumer tastes evolved and the cost of dining out increased, Bahama Breeze found it harder to maintain its momentum. The brand’s decline mirrors the challenges faced by other casual dining chains in recent years. In 2025, restaurant operators such as Hooters, Bar Louie, and Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe shuttered locations and filed for bankruptcy. The Italian chain Bravo Brio filed for bankruptcy for a second time and closed some restaurants, while Outback Steakhouse closed several locations ahead of a planned overhaul in 2026.

For many, the closure of Bahama Breeze is more than just the loss of a favorite dining spot—it’s the end of an era. The St. Johns Town Center location in Jacksonville, for example, has been a local fixture since 2010. Situated at 10205 Rivercoast Drive, between Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar and Wasabi Steak House, it has served countless families, friends, and tourists over the years. The company’s decision to keep the closing locations open through early April offers regulars a last chance to enjoy their favorite dishes and drinks before the final curtain falls.

As for the future of the soon-to-be-converted sites, Darden is optimistic. "The conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio," the company reiterated in its news release. While it remains to be seen which restaurants will take their place, Darden’s track record with brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse suggests the company is betting on proven winners to fill the void.

Looking back, Bahama Breeze’s journey—from its Orlando roots to its nationwide expansion and eventual decline—reflects the volatility and unpredictability of the restaurant industry. Fads come and go, consumer preferences shift, and even beloved brands must adapt or face extinction. For Darden Restaurants, the decision to close Bahama Breeze may be a pragmatic one, but for fans of the chain’s breezy vibe and Caribbean flavors, it’s a tough goodbye.

As the final Bahama Breeze locations count down to their last day, there’s a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation for what comes next. The restaurant industry, after all, is nothing if not resilient. And while the sun sets on Bahama Breeze, Darden’s focus on supporting its employees and reinvesting in its strongest brands points to a future where adaptation—and perhaps a little reinvention—remains the name of the game.