After three decades of serving up “Caribbean-inspired food and handcrafted drinks,” the sun is setting on Bahama Breeze. Darden Restaurants Inc. has confirmed that the iconic chain will shutter its remaining 28 locations by tomorrow, April 5, 2026.
The announcement marks the end of an era for the brand, which was founded in 1996 and became a staple for those seeking a “vibrant island atmosphere” without leaving the suburbs.
A Strategic Shift for Darden
Darden Restaurants Inc.—the parent company behind powerhouses like Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse—stated that the brand is no longer a “strategic priority.” Despite the sudden mass closure, the company reassured investors that the move is not expected to have a material impact on its overall financial results.
According to the official statement, the future of the physical storefronts will be split down the middle:
- 14 locations will close permanently.
- 14 locations will be converted into other Darden-owned brands.
Which Locations are Closing for Good?
Residents in Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington will say a final goodbye to these specific spots this week:
Permanent Closures:
- Delaware: 500 Center Blvd., Newark
- Georgia: 3590 Breckenridge Blvd., Duluth
- Florida: Miami (SW 88th St.), Jacksonville (Rivercoast Dr.), Kissimmee (W. Osceola Pkwy.), Pembroke Pines (Pines Blvd.), Sanford (Rinehart Rd.)
- Michigan: 19600 Haggerty Road, Livonia
- New Jersey: 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill
- North Carolina: 3309 Wake Forest Drive, Raleigh
- Pennsylvania: King of Prussia (Goddard Blvd.), Pittsburgh (Robinson Center Dr.)
- Virginia: 2714 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge
- Washington: 15700 Southcenter Pkwy., Tukwila
New Beginnings: Brand Conversions
While the Bahama Breeze nameplate is disappearing, the following 14 locations will remain under the Darden umbrella, likely reopening in the future as Olive Gardens, Longhorns, or other portfolio brands:
- Florida: Altamonte Springs, Brandon, Ft. Myers, Kissimmee (Irlo Bronson Hwy.), Lutz, Orlando (Oak Ridge Rd., International Dr., Vineland Ave., Alafaya Dr.), Tampa (Rocky Point Dr.)
- Georgia: Kennesaw (Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy NW)
- North Carolina: Fayetteville (Cross Creek Mall)
- South Carolina: Charleston (Rivers Ave.)
- Virginia: Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach Blvd.)
The End of the Island Vibe: For fans of the brand’s coconut shrimp and legendary mojitos, today and tomorrow represent the final opportunity to experience the Bahama Breeze atmosphere before the doors lock for the last time.
