Darden Restaurants to Close All Bahama Breeze Locations

14 Florida restaurants to shut down by April 2026, remaining 14 to be converted to other Darden brands

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, has announced that it will be closing all 28 remaining Bahama Breeze locations, including 14 in Florida. Half of the restaurants will permanently close by April 2026, while the other half will be converted to other Darden brands over the next 12-18 months.

Why it matters

The closure of Bahama Breeze restaurants is a significant development in the Florida dining landscape, as the Caribbean-inspired chain had become a popular destination for many. This decision reflects broader shifts in Darden's business strategy, as the company looks to focus on its other restaurant brands that may be performing better.

The details

Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and other chains, said that Bahama Breeze "was no longer a strategic priority" for the company. The 14 restaurants designated for permanent closure are expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026, while the remaining 14 locations will be converted to other Darden brands over the next 12-18 months.

  • Darden announced the Bahama Breeze closure on February 3, 2026.
  • The 14 restaurants slated for permanent closure will continue operating through April 5, 2026.
  • The remaining 14 Bahama Breeze locations will be converted to other Darden brands over the next 12-18 months.

The players

Darden Restaurants

The parent company of Bahama Breeze and other popular restaurant chains, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille.

Bahama Breeze

A Caribbean-inspired fast-casual restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants, known for its jerk chicken pasta and tropical drinks.

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What’s next

Darden has not disclosed the specific Darden brands into which the 14 remaining Bahama Breeze locations will be converted.

The takeaway

The closure of Bahama Breeze restaurants in Florida reflects the changing priorities of Darden Restaurants, as the company focuses on its other more successful brands. This decision will impact the dining options for many Floridians who have come to enjoy the Caribbean-inspired cuisine and atmosphere of Bahama Breeze.