Darden Restaurants to Close 14 Bahama Breeze Locations

Remaining 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants to be converted into other Darden concepts

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55am

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Darden Restaurants (DRI) has announced that it will permanently close 14 of its 28 Bahama Breeze restaurants and convert the remaining 14 locations into other concepts within the Darden portfolio. The company does not anticipate the closures will have a material impact on its overall financial results.

Why it matters

Bahama Breeze was created by Darden in the mid-1990s as a Caribbean-themed casual dining concept, but the company's early growth strategy focused on suburban retail corridors and tourist destinations, which may no longer align with current consumer preferences. The closures and conversions reflect Darden's efforts to optimize its portfolio and adapt to changing market conditions.

The details

The units slated for closure are expected to remain open through early April, while the conversions will roll out over the next 12 to 18 months, with affected restaurants operating until temporary shutdowns are needed to complete the remodels. Darden did not yet disclose which brands will replace the converted Bahama Breeze sites.

The units slated for closure are expected to remain open through early April.
The conversions will roll out over the next 12 to 18 months.

The players