Darden Shuts Down Bahama Breeze After Three Decades

After three decades of serving up Caribbean-inspired cuisine and cocktails, Bahama Breeze is sailing into the sunset. On February 3, 2026, Darden Restaurants—the Orlando-based parent company behind Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and several other well-known brands—announced it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze locations and convert the remaining 14 into other Darden concepts. This move marks the end of Bahama Breeze as a standalone brand, closing a chapter that began in the mid-1990s and brought island flavors and vibrant atmospheres to communities across the United States.

The decision comes after what Darden described as a thorough review of Bahama Breeze’s brand positioning and strategic potential. According to USA TODAY and Tampa Bay Business News, Darden had previously signaled that Bahama Breeze was “no longer a strategic priority,” leading many industry watchers to anticipate big changes. Last year, the company abruptly closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations—including five in Florida—and began exploring alternatives such as sales or conversions. Ultimately, Darden settled on a split approach: half of the remaining 28 locations will close for good, while the rest will be reimagined under other Darden banners.

For fans of Bahama Breeze’s jerk chicken pasta, handcrafted tropical drinks, and live music, the news has landed with a heavy heart. The chain has long touted itself as the place “where your island getaway begins,” promising guests the chance to “explore island flavors, discover legendary cocktails, and feel the energy of live music. Like sunshine on your face, it’s warm and welcoming.” That unique blend of escapism and hospitality helped Bahama Breeze carve out a niche in the crowded casual dining sector. But as consumer preferences and economic realities have shifted, even beloved brands have found themselves on uncertain footing.

So, what exactly is happening to Bahama Breeze, and what does it mean for employees and communities where the restaurants operate? According to Darden’s press release, the 14 locations selected for permanent closure—including restaurants in Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington state, and several in Florida—will continue operating through April 5, 2026. After that, the doors will close for good. The Christiana, Delaware location, for example, is among those slated to shutter, alongside sites in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

The remaining 14 locations, concentrated in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia, are set to undergo conversion to other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months. Notably, 10 of these are in the Orlando area, reflecting the company’s deep roots in Central Florida. In Tampa Bay, the Bahama Breeze restaurants at 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive East and 805 Brandon Town Center Drive are among those expected to be transformed. During the transition, these restaurants will continue to operate as Bahama Breeze until remodeling begins. Any temporary closures related to construction will be announced later, with conversion timelines stretching into 2027 for some locations.

Darden has not revealed which of its portfolio brands—ranging from Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse to Yard House, The Capital Grille, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and more—will take the place of Bahama Breeze at these sites. As the company put it, “At this time, the company is not disclosing the specific Darden brands into which these locations will be converted.” Still, Darden expressed confidence in the value of the real estate, stating, “The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio.”

For employees, the transition brings understandable anxiety, but Darden has pledged to support affected team members as much as possible. “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 in its announcement. This commitment echoes Darden’s approach during previous rounds of closures, where efforts were made to find new opportunities for displaced workers across its network of restaurants.

While Bahama Breeze’s closure is a blow to its loyal patrons, Darden’s decision is emblematic of broader trends in the casual dining industry. As reported by Restaurant Dive and CNN, many chains catering to middle- and lower-income diners have struggled in recent years amid rising inflation and shrinking disposable incomes. Consumer confidence has taken a hit, leading some families to cut back on restaurant visits or seek out greater value. Even major names like Outback, Hooters, and Bar Louie have closed locations or filed for bankruptcy as they grapple with high operating costs and changing market dynamics.

Yet, not all news from the sector is grim. Darden’s own Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse have reported positive same-store sales growth, as diners gravitate toward brands that offer perceived value and consistency. In fact, Darden’s stock has risen 8% so far this year, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s ability to adapt. According to the company, “Darden does not expect these actions to have a material impact on its financial results,” suggesting that Bahama Breeze’s footprint, while beloved, was not central to the company’s bottom line.

The closures and conversions also highlight a shifting landscape for commercial landlords and restaurant operators. As noted by Restaurant Dive, the expansion of fast-casual concepts and the contraction of traditional chains have created a glut of vacant dining real estate. This, in turn, opens opportunities for established brands to move into well-located, second-generation spaces—often at a lower cost than building anew. For Darden, repurposing Bahama Breeze sites offers a strategic way to strengthen its portfolio without overextending financially.

Still, for those who cherished Bahama Breeze’s unique vibe—the steel drum bands, the tropical décor, the feeling of being “a million miles from home, any day of the week”—the end is bittersweet. The chain’s 30-year run saw it weather changing tastes, economic ups and downs, and the ever-evolving world of American dining. Its departure will leave a gap in the market for those seeking a taste of the islands, but Darden’s broader portfolio will likely ensure that the company remains a fixture in communities nationwide.

As the final day of operations approaches for many Bahama Breeze locations, guests and employees alike are left to savor the memories—and perhaps, one last round of coconut shrimp or a signature rum punch. While the island getaway may be closing its doors, the story of adaptation and resilience in the restaurant industry rolls on.