Orlando-based Darden Restaurants is shutting down all of its remaining Bahama Breeze restaurants across the United States, bringing an end to the Caribbean-themed chain after a three-decade run.
The move marks the final chapter for a brand that once positioned itself as a casual dining escape inspired by island culture but struggled to keep pace with changing consumer tastes in recent years.
Darden said the decision follows a comprehensive review of strategic options for Bahama Breeze as it reassesses its broader restaurant portfolio. As part of that process, roughly half of the chain’s remaining locations will shut down permanently, while the others will be repurposed into different Darden-owned concepts over the next 12 to 18 months.
The move has been a long time coming as the result of years of softening sales and shifting consumer habits in the casual dining space. At its peak, Bahama Breeze operated 43 locations across the country, but the footprint has steadily narrowed. A wave of closures in 2025 accelerated that decline, leaving the brand with just 28 restaurants before Darden opted to pull the plug entirely.
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Bahama Breeze’s last day of service will be April 5, when the remaining restaurants slated for permanent closure cease operations.
Darden said the shutdowns will affect locations in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, along with two restaurants in Pennsylvania and five in Florida.
The closures will eliminate the brand’s presence in those markets as the company proceeds with a mix of shutdowns and conversions to other Darden concepts.
The downturn became more visible in May 2025, when Darden moved quickly to close 15 underperforming locations. Those shutdowns accounted for more than a third of the chain at the time and were part of an earlier attempt to steady the business as pressures mounted on the brand
Darden has made it clear that Bahama Breeze no longer fits into its long-term strategy. The company said the brand has fallen down the priority list within its portfolio, which also includes Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Chuy’s and Eddie V’s.
Executives said concentrating on better-performing concepts will allow the company to streamline operations and deliver stronger returns for shareholders.
Under the plan, 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants will shut down permanently, continuing to operate until April 5, 2026 before closing for good. The remaining 14 locations will be transitioned into other Darden concepts over the next 12 to 18 months, with only short-term closures if renovations are needed.
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Darden has not said which of its brands will move into those spaces, but all of the converted restaurants are expected to stay within the company’s existing portfolio.
Darden said it plans to shift as many impacted workers as possible into roles elsewhere within the company. “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 a statement.
The company also said it does not expect the wind-down of Bahama Breeze to have “a material impact on its financial results.”
Bahama Breeze’s exit comes as part of a broader shakeout in the U.S. casual dining industry. In 2025, chains such as Hooters, Bar Louie and Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe closed locations and sought bankruptcy protection amid rising costs and softer consumer demand.
The pressure has continued into this year, with Italian chain Bravo Brio filing for bankruptcy for a second time and scaling back its footprint, while Outback Steakhouse has shuttered several outlets ahead of a planned brand reset in 2026.