Bahama Breeze, the beloved Caribbean-themed restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants, has made headlines with its recent decision to close multiple locations and consider selling off the entire brand. Known for its vibrant island atmosphere, tropical cocktails, and dishes like jerk chicken pasta and yuca cheese sticks, Bahama Breeze has been a go-to spot for casual dining with a Caribbean flair. However, recent reports indicate that the chain is undergoing significant changes, including the closure of 15 locations in May 2025 and plans to potentially sell or convert the remaining 28 restaurants. This article explores the reasons behind the Bahama Breeze closures, the impact on employees and customers, and what the future holds for this iconic brand.
Why Is Bahama Breeze Closing Locations?
In May 2025, Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, abruptly closed 15 locations across eight states, including Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee. According to a Darden spokesperson, these closures were part of a strategic move to focus on the chain’s highest-performing restaurants and strengthen overall brand performance. The decision came after a challenging year for Bahama Breeze, with sales dropping 7.7% in 2024, as reported by Technomic, a restaurant analysis firm.
Darden’s CEO, Rick Cardenas, announced during a June 21, 2025, earnings call that the company would no longer invest in Bahama Breeze, as the brand is not considered a strategic priority. Instead, Darden is exploring “strategic alternatives,” which could involve selling the chain to a new owner or converting the remaining 28 locations into other Darden brands, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse. This move reflects broader challenges in the casual dining sector, where rising costs, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences toward takeout and affordable dining options have strained mid-tier restaurant chains.
Which Bahama Breeze Locations Have Closed?
The 15 Bahama Breeze locations closed in May 2025 were spread across multiple states, significantly reducing the chain’s footprint from 43 to 28 restaurants. Some of the affected locations include:
- Florida: Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Naples, Oakland Park, and Sunrise
- Illinois: Schaumburg
- Massachusetts: Tyngsborough (the only location in New England)
- Michigan: Troy
- Nevada: Las Vegas
- New Jersey: Paramus, Toms River, and Woodbridge
- New York: Lake Grove (Smith Haven Mall)
- Tennessee: Memphis
These closures represent over one-third of Bahama Breeze’s U.S. locations, a significant blow to the chain’s presence. For instance, the closure in Tyngsborough marked the end of Bahama Breeze in Massachusetts and New England, while Florida, where the chain was founded in 1996, lost five locations, including one in Naples that had been open for less than a year.
Impact on Employees and Customers
The abrupt closures have had a profound impact on both employees and loyal customers. Darden has stated that it is working to reassign affected employees to other Darden-owned restaurants, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse, where possible. Employees who cannot be reassigned are being offered severance packages. In Florida alone, over 300、西300 employees were terminated due to the closures, highlighting the significant human toll of these decisions.
For customers, the closures have been a shock, particularly in areas like Gainesville and Naples, where Bahama Breeze was a popular dining destination. Social media posts on X reflect disappointment among fans of the chain’s Caribbean-inspired menu and tropical ambiance, with many expressing sadness over losing their “island escape.” The closures have left some regions, like New England, without any Bahama Breeze locations, forcing loyal customers to seek alternatives.
The Future of Bahama Breeze
With only 28 locations remaining as of June 2025, the future of Bahama Breeze is uncertain. Darden’s decision to sell or convert the chain suggests that the brand may either disappear or undergo a significant transformation. CEO Rick Cardenas noted that Bahama Breeze has “growth potential” under new ownership, indicating that a sale is the preferred option. However, if no buyer is found, the remaining locations could be rebranded as other Darden properties, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse.
The casual dining industry’s struggles, including rising operational costs and changing consumer habits, have put pressure on chains like Bahama Breeze. Experts suggest that mid-tier restaurants are particularly vulnerable as consumers opt for more affordable or premium dining experiences. Despite these challenges, Bahama Breeze’s unique Caribbean theme and menu, featuring dishes like Jamaican jerk wings and tropical cocktails, could attract a buyer looking to capitalize on its niche appeal.
Why Casual Dining Is Struggling
The Bahama Breeze closures are part of a broader trend in the casual dining sector. Chains like Denny’s, which plans to close up to 90 locations by the end of 2025, are also facing challenges due to inflation, reduced disposable income, and a shift toward delivery and takeout. According to Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters, casual dining restaurants catering to lower and middle-income families are particularly affected as consumers prioritize affordability. Bahama Breeze’s sales decline of 7.7% in 2024 underscores these difficulties, despite its vibrant atmosphere and loyal customer base.
What Customers Can Do
For Bahama Breeze fans, the remaining 28 locations, primarily in Florida and other states, continue to operate as of June 2025. Customers can check the official Bahama Breeze website for the nearest location. Those interested in supporting the chain can visit these restaurants or explore Darden’s other brands, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse, which may absorb some of Bahama Breeze’s locations in the future. Following Bahama Breeze on social media platforms like X can provide updates on any further developments.
The closure of 15 Bahama Breeze locations and the potential sale of the chain mark a significant turning point for the Caribbean-themed restaurant. Darden Restaurants’ strategic shift reflects the broader challenges facing the casual dining industry, including economic pressures and changing consumer preferences. While the future of Bahama Breeze remains uncertain, its vibrant atmosphere and unique menu have left a lasting impression on customers. Whether the chain finds a new owner or transitions into other Darden brands, its legacy as an “island escape” will endure in the hearts of its loyal fans.
