Bahama Breeze Restaurants in Florida to Permanently Close

Company says the chain is 'no longer a strategic priority' as it shifts focus to other Darden brands.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:15am

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Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, has announced that all 28 locations of the Caribbean-themed restaurant chain in Florida will be shutting down. Half of the locations will close permanently by April 5, while the remaining half will be converted into other Darden restaurant brands over the next 12-18 months.

Why it matters

The closure of Bahama Breeze restaurants in Florida is a significant shift in Darden's portfolio, as the company focuses on its other well-known brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. This move reflects broader changes in the restaurant industry as companies adapt to evolving consumer preferences and economic conditions.

The details

Darden Restaurants, which owns Bahama Breeze, stated that the chain is 'no longer a strategic priority' for the company. As a result, 14 of the 28 Bahama Breeze locations in Florida will be permanently closed by April 5, while the remaining 14 will be converted into other Darden restaurant brands over the next 12-18 months.

  • The 14 Bahama Breeze locations set to close are expected to operate through April 5, 2026.
  • The remaining 14 Bahama Breeze locations will be converted into 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 Yard House.

Bahama Breeze

A Caribbean-themed restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants, with 28 locations in Florida that are now being shut down or converted.

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The takeaway

The closure of Bahama Breeze restaurants in Florida reflects the evolving priorities and strategies of major restaurant companies like Darden, as they adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. This shift highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry as it navigates an uncertain economic landscape.