ORLANDO, Fla. – After 30 years since opening its first Bahama Breeze restaurant on International Drive in Orlando, Florida, Darden Restaurants Inc. said it will permanently close 14 of the chain’s 28 restaurants, while converting the remaining locations to other concepts.

Darden presently operates Bahama Breeze restaurants in 10 states. 

What we know:

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants Inc. said Tuesday it completed a review of strategic alternatives before making the decision to end the Bahama Breeze brand. The restaurant is known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine featuring seafood, chicken, steak, and salads with tropical flavors. Signature items include coconut shrimp and seafood paella.

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The company said the decisions are not expected to have a material impact on its financial results. The company provided a list of the restaurants to be closed and those expected to be converted.

Which Bahama Breeze locations are closing?

The 14 restaurants slated for closure are expected to remain open through April 5, 2026.  The following locations will be closed:

500 Center Blvd., Newark, DE3590 Breckenridge Blvd., Duluth, GA12395 SW 88th St., Miami, FL10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville, FL1251 West Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL1540 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL19600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ3309 Wake Forest Drive, Raleigh, NC320 Goddard Blvd., King of Prussia, PA6100 Robinson Center Drive, Pittsburgh, PA2714 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA15700 Southcenter Pkwy., Tukwila, WA Which Bahama Breeze locations are converting?

The remaining 14 locations will be converted to other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months, and may temporarily close during the conversion process. The following locations will be converted into other Darden brands: 

499 E Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL805 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon, FL14701 S Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, FL5620 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, FL8849 International Drive, Orlando, FL8735 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL1200 N Alafaya Drive, Orlando, FL3045 N Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL755 Earnest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA570 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville, NC7811 Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC4554 Virginia Beach, Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA

What we don’t know:

Darden did not disclose which of its other brands will take over the converted sites. Darden’s portfolio includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, and Eddie V’s. 

What’s next:

The company said it plans to focus on supporting team members, with efforts to place as many employees as possible within its broader portfolio.

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Darden previously said Bahama Breeze was no longer a strategic priority and was exploring options, including a sale or conversion. 

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Darden Restaurants Inc. 

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