Bahama Breeze closures are now official, as the popular Caribbean-themed chain prepares to shut down or sell all remaining locations across the U.S.
After closing 15 locations earlier this year, the company now plans to sell or convert the remaining 28 restaurants, effectively signaling the end of the Bahama Breeze era as we know it.
Darden CEO Rick Cardenas confirmed the move during a recent earnings call, explaining that the Caribbean-inspired brand no longer aligns with the company’s long-term strategic priorities. “We have made the difficult decision that these remaining locations and the Bahama Breeze brand are not a strategic priority for us,” Cardenas said.
This announcement comes amid a wave of high-profile restaurant closures across the U.S. as legacy chains like Red Lobster and Hooters face growing pressure from economic headwinds, rising labor costs, and shifting consumer dining habits. The food service industry is in flux, and Bahama Breeze closures are just the latest example.
While Darden emphasized that the financial impact of the Bahama Breeze closures would be minimal, fans of the island-style restaurant are left with questions about the brand’s future. The company hasn’t ruled out the possibility of selling the brand to another operator, but for now, the focus is on winding down operations.
Bahama Breeze closures reflect a broader industry trend: restaurant groups consolidating resources around top-performing brands and divesting from those struggling to stay competitive. With Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse outperforming projections, Darden appears to be prioritizing stability over experimentation.
For customers who loved Bahama Breeze’s signature coconut shrimp and beachy cocktails, the news stings, but it’s also a reminder of how quickly the hospitality landscape can change.
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