Darden Restaurants Closing Bahama Breeze Complete Guide
If you are checking walgreens open 24 hours, restaurant hours, or the latest changes to popular U.S. food chains, you may also have heard about the major change involving Bahama Breeze. Darden Restaurants announced that it would close some Bahama Breeze restaurants and convert the remaining locations to other Darden restaurant brands.
The news darden restaurants closing bahama breeze created questions among customers who enjoy Bahama Breeze’s Caribbean-inspired food, tropical drinks, and relaxed island-style atmosphere. So, what exactly is happening, why is Darden making this change, and which locations are affected?
What Is Happening to Bahama Breeze?
Darden Restaurants announced on February 3, 2026, that it had completed its review of strategic options for Bahama Breeze. The company said the Bahama Breeze brand and its 28 remaining locations were no longer a strategic priority.
After reviewing the brand, Darden decided on two different actions.
The company planned to permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants. It also planned to convert the other 14 locations into another Darden restaurant brand.
Darden said the 14 restaurants selected for permanent closure were expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026. The company planned to convert the other 14 locations over the following 12 to 18 months.
This means the announcement was not simply about a few underperforming restaurants. Darden planned a broader change that would eventually remove Bahama Breeze from its restaurant portfolio.
Why Is Darden Closing Bahama Breeze?
Darden described Bahama Breeze as a brand that was no longer a strategic priority. The company had already announced that it was reviewing possible options for the brand, including a possible sale or conversion of its restaurants.
After completing that review, Darden chose to close half of the remaining restaurants and convert the other half.
The company did not give a detailed public explanation of every factor behind the decision. Therefore, it is important not to assume that every restaurant had the same sales, lease, or customer-performance issues.
Darden did say that it considered the 14 conversion locations to be strong restaurant sites that could benefit other brands within its portfolio.
How Many Bahama Breeze Restaurants Are Closing?
Darden announced that 14 Bahama Breeze locations would permanently close.
The other 14 locations were not announced as permanent closures. Instead, Darden planned to convert them into other brands owned by the company.
The company said the 14 closing restaurants were expected to remain open through April 5, 2026. The conversion locations were expected to continue operating until temporary closures were required for renovation or conversion work.
Darden’s later fiscal 2026 reporting also stated that Bahama Breeze locations were expected to be closed or converted to other Darden brands.
Bahama Breeze Locations That Were Set to Close
Darden provided a list of the 14 restaurants selected for permanent closure.
| City/Area | State | Address |
| Newark | Delaware | 500 Center Blvd. |
| Duluth | Georgia | 3590 Breckenridge Blvd. |
| Miami | Florida | 12395 SW 88th St. |
| Jacksonville | Florida | 10205 Rivercoast Drive |
| Kissimmee | Florida | 1251 West Osceola Pkwy. |
| Pembroke Pines | Florida | 11000 Pines Blvd. |
| Sanford | Florida | 1540 Rinehart Road |
| Livonia | Michigan | 19600 Haggerty Road |
| Cherry Hill | New Jersey | 2000 Route 38 |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | 3309 Wake Forest Drive |
| King of Prussia | Pennsylvania | 320 Goddard Blvd. |
| Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | 6100 Robinson Center Drive |
| Woodbridge | Virginia | 2714 Potomac Mills Circle |
| Tukwila | Washington | 15700 Southcenter Pkwy. |
These locations came directly from Darden’s February 2026 announcement.
Which Bahama Breeze Locations Are Being Converted?
Darden also identified 14 locations that it expected to convert into other restaurant brands.
Those locations include restaurants in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
| City/Area | State | Address |
| Altamonte Springs | Florida | 499 E Altamonte Drive |
| Brandon | Florida | 805 Brandon Town Center Drive |
| Ft. Myers | Florida | 14701 S Tamiami Trail |
| Kissimmee | Florida | 8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. |
| Lutz | Florida | 25830 Sierra Center Blvd. |
| Orlando | Florida | 5620 W. Oak Ridge Road |
| Orlando | Florida | 8849 International Drive |
| Orlando | Florida | 8735 Vineland Ave. |
| Orlando | Florida | 1200 N Alafaya Drive |
| Tampa | Florida | 3045 N Rocky Point Drive East |
| Kennesaw | Georgia | 755 Earnest W Barrett Pkwy NW |
| Fayetteville | North Carolina | 570 Cross Creek Mall |
| Charleston | South Carolina | 7811 Rivers Ave. |
| Virginia Beach | Virginia | 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd. |
Darden said it was not initially disclosing which specific brands would replace these Bahama Breeze restaurants.
What Brands Does Darden Restaurants Own?
Darden Restaurants operates a large portfolio of full-service restaurant brands.
Its portfolio includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, and Bahama Breeze.
Because Darden already operates many different restaurant concepts, converting an existing Bahama Breeze building gives the company a way to use the property for another brand.
Darden specifically said the conversion locations were attractive sites that could benefit several brands in its portfolio.
What Happens to Bahama Breeze Employees?
Restaurant closures can affect both customers and employees. Darden addressed this issue in its announcement.
The company said its primary focus would continue to be supporting team members and placing as many employees as possible into roles elsewhere within the Darden portfolio.
That means some employees may have opportunities to continue working for Darden even when their Bahama Breeze location closes or changes into another brand. Individual employment arrangements, however, can vary by location and position.
Bahama Breeze Daily Open and Closing Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Monday | 11:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM | 1:00 AM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
Important: These are general hours, not guaranteed hours for every restaurant. Bahama Breeze states that closing times vary by location, so customers should check their specific restaurant before visiting. Its official app also lets customers see current dine-in and To Go hours for individual locations.
Absolutely. Here is the menu table rewritten with a Quantity/Serving column. Since Bahama Breeze prices can vary by location, these should be presented as published/sample prices, not a guaranteed nationwide price list.
Bahama Breeze Appetizers Menu
| Menu Item | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Beef Empanadas | 3 pieces | $10.49 |
| Spinach Dip & Chips | 1 appetizer serving | $10.99 |
| Tostones with Chicken | 1 serving | $11.49 |
| Coconut Shrimp | 1 appetizer serving | $11.99 |
| Firecracker Shrimp | 1 serving | $11.99 |
| Skillet-Simmered Jerk Shrimp | 1 serving | $12.99 |
| Crab & Avocado Stack | 1 serving | $16.49 |
| Jamaican Jerk Wings | 10 wings | $15.29 |
| Habanero Wings | 10 wings | $13.49 |
Bahama Breeze Soups & Salads
| Menu Item | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Bahamian Seafood Chowder | Cup | $5.29 |
| Bahamian Seafood Chowder | Bowl | $6.79 |
| Cuban Black Bean Soup | Cup | $4.29 |
| Cuban Black Bean Soup | Bowl | $5.79 |
| House Salad | 1 salad | $5.99 |
| House Salad with Entrée | Side salad | +$3.99 |
| Salmon Tostada Salad | 1 entrée salad | $15.29 |
| Grilled Chicken & Bacon Salad | 1 entrée salad | $13.99 |
| Tropical Chicken Salad | 1 entrée salad | $13.99 |
| Tropical Chicken Salad – Vegetarian | 1 entrée salad | $10.99 |
Bahama Breeze Chicken & Caribbean Favorites
| Menu Item | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Caribbean Chicken & Shrimp Bowl | 1 entrée bowl | $16.49 |
| Buttermilk Fried Chicken | 1 entrée | $15.99 |
| Jamaican Jerk Chicken | 1 entrée | $17.99 |
| Jerk Chicken Pasta – Lighter Portion | 1 lighter portion | $14.99 |
| Jerk Chicken Pasta – Full Portion | 1 full entrée | $17.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 1 entrée | Varies |
| Chicken & Shrimp Entrée | 1 entrée | Varies |
Bahama Breeze Seafood Menu
| Menu Item | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Tequila Sunburn Glazed Salmon | 1 salmon entrée | $19.49 |
| Grilled Salmon | 1 salmon entrée | $19.49 |
| Shrimp & Mahi with Lemongrass Sauce – Lighter Portion | 1 lighter portion | $13.59 |
| Shrimp & Mahi with Lemongrass Sauce – Full Portion | 1 full portion | $17.09 |
| Shrimp & Mahi – Vegetarian | 1 vegetarian entrée | $12.59 |
Bahama Breeze Burgers & Other Entrées
| Menu Item | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Black Bean BBQ Burger | 1 burger | $12.49 |
| Applewood Bacon & Cheddar Burger | 1 burger | $12.49 |
| Grilled Cheeseburger | 1 burger | $11.99 |
| Bow-Tie Mac ‘n Cheese | 1 entrée | Varies |
| Crispy Chicken Fingers | 1 entrée serving | Varies |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 1 entrée | Varies |
| Burger Sliders | 1 slider serving | Varies |
Bahama Breeze Drinks Menu
| Drink | Quantity / Serving | Price |
| Virgin Bahamarita | 1 drink | $6.99 |
| Virgin Piña Colada | 1 drink | $6.99 |
| Virgin Ultimate Pineapple Signature | 1 drink | $10.49 |
| Bahama Mama | 1 drink | $11.99 |
| Pineapple-Coconut Martini | 1 drink | $11.49 |
| Painkiller | 1 drink | $11.49 |
| Tito’s Beachside Strawberry Breeze | 1 drink | $11.49 |
| Aruba Red | 1 beer | $7.49 |
| Aruba Honey Blonde | 1 beer | $7.49 |
| Blue Moon | 1 beer | $8.49 |
| Bud Light | 1 beer | $7.99 |
| Modelo Especial | 20 oz. | $7.99 |
| White Claw | 1 can | $8.49 |
Bahama Breeze 64 oz. Pitchers
| Drink | Quantity | Price |
| Bahama Mama | 64 oz. pitcher | $24.99 |
| Classic Margarita | 64 oz. pitcher | $29.99 |
| Pineapple Coconut Martini | 64 oz. pitcher | $34.99 |
Note: Menu items, serving sizes, prices, and availability can vary by Bahama Breeze location. The restaurant may also change its menu over time, so readers should check their local location before ordering.
While customers look for alternatives after a restaurant closure, understanding basic nutrition can also help when comparing meals and making everyday food choices. Nutrition.gov offers reliable guidance on healthy eating and food safety.
Is Bahama Breeze Going Away Completely?
The darden restaurants closing bahama breeze announcement means the Bahama Breeze brand is being phased out from Darden’s restaurant portfolio.
Darden’s plan involved closing 14 restaurants and converting the remaining 14. Therefore, customers should not assume that every existing Bahama Breeze building will immediately disappear.
Some locations may continue operating as Bahama Breeze while Darden prepares them for conversion. Others were scheduled for permanent closure.
Darden’s March 2026 financial report later said Bahama Breeze was expected to be closed or converted to other brands during the company’s fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2027 period.
What Will Replace Bahama Breeze?
One of the biggest questions customers have is what will replace the Bahama Breeze restaurants.
When Darden announced the plan in February 2026, it said that it was not disclosing the specific Darden brands that would take over the 14 conversion locations.
This means customers should check the individual restaurant location or Darden’s official announcements before assuming that a particular site will become Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, or another brand.
The replacement can also depend on the size, location, layout, and market needs of each property.
What Customers Should Know in 2026
The darden restaurants closing bahama breeze story is important for anyone who regularly visits one of the affected locations.
The key point is that there are two groups of restaurants: 14 locations selected for permanent closure and 14 locations selected for conversion.
Darden originally expected the 14 closing restaurants to operate through April 5, 2026. The company expected the conversion process for the other locations to take about 12 to 18 months.
Because restaurant operations can change during a conversion, customers should verify a location’s current status before making a trip.
Does This Mean Darden Is Closing Other Restaurant Brands?
No. The Bahama Breeze decision specifically concerns the Bahama Breeze brand.
Darden continues to operate its other major restaurant concepts, including 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.
The company said it expected the Bahama Breeze actions to have no material impact on its financial results when the decision was announced.
Final Thoughts
The darden restaurants closing bahama breeze decision marks a major change for a restaurant brand that has been part of Darden’s portfolio for many years.
Darden announced that 14 of the 28 remaining Bahama Breeze restaurants would permanently close, while the other 14 would be converted into different Darden restaurant brands. The company also said it would work to support employees by helping place as many team members as possible within its wider restaurant portfolio.
For customers, the most important step is to check the status of their local restaurant before visiting. Some locations closed, while others entered a longer conversion process.
The darden restaurants closing bahama breeze changes also show how large restaurant companies can adjust their portfolios when they decide that a particular concept no longer fits their long-term strategy.
As Darden completes the planned conversions, individual locations may take on new names, menus, and restaurant concepts. Customers should rely on current location information rather than older Bahama Breeze listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darden closing Bahama Breeze?
Darden announced that it would permanently close 14 of its 28 Bahama Breeze locations and convert the other 14 locations into different Darden restaurant brands.
When did Darden announce the Bahama Breeze closures?
Darden announced its final decision regarding Bahama Breeze on February 3, 2026.
How many Bahama Breeze locations are closing?
Fourteen Bahama Breeze restaurants were selected for permanent closure. Another 14 were selected for conversion into other Darden brands.
When were the closing locations expected to stop operating?
Darden said the 14 restaurants selected for permanent closure were expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026.
Will the remaining Bahama Breeze restaurants stay Bahama Breeze?
Darden planned to convert the remaining 14 locations into other Darden restaurant brands over approximately 12 to 18 months.
What will replace Bahama Breeze?
Darden had not disclosed the specific replacement brands for the 14 conversion locations when it announced the plan.
Why is Darden closing Bahama Breeze?
Darden said Bahama Breeze was no longer a strategic priority. The company reviewed options for the brand before deciding to close 14 locations and convert the remaining 14.
Will Darden employees lose their jobs?
Darden said it would focus on supporting team members and placing as many as possible into roles elsewhere within its restaurant portfolio. Individual outcomes can vary by location.
