The Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Bahama Breeze, owned by Darden Restaurants, has shuttered 15 locations across the United States in 2025.
Once a popular go-to for island-inspired cocktails and tropical fare, the brand is now facing an uncertain future as Darden shifts its strategic focus to its core performers.
This move—first announced in May and confirmed during the company’s June earnings call—is part of a broader trend reshaping the casual dining sector, where legacy brands must either evolve or exit.
Why Are Bahama Breeze Locations Closing?
Bahama Breeze has seen declining sales and foot traffic over the past year, with sources indicating a nearly 7% drop in year-over-year sales in 2024.
Combined with rising operating costs, a shifting labor market, and post-pandemic dining behavior changes, Darden decided to reduce its footprint and reassess the long-term viability of the brand.
“Bahama Breeze is no longer a core growth priority for us,” said Darden CEO Rick Cardenas during a June 2025 earnings call. “We are exploring options, which may include selling the brand or converting some of the remaining locations.”
The decision follows a broader trend in casual dining, where other major chains such as Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Hooters have also reduced store counts to control costs and restructure operations.
Here Are the Locations That Closed
Below is a complete list of the 15 Bahama Breeze locations that were closed as of mid-2025. These closures span eight states, with Florida and New Jersey seeing the highest number of shutdowns.
| State | City | Address (If Known) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Gainesville | Plaza Blvd | Closed |
| Florida | Naples | 9th St N | Closed |
| Florida | Daytona Beach | W International Speedway Blvd | Closed |
| Florida | Sunrise | Sawgrass Mills Circle | Closed |
| Florida | Oakland Park | N Federal Hwy | Closed |
| New Jersey | Woodbridge | Woodbridge Center Dr | Closed |
| New Jersey | Toms River | Hooper Ave | Closed |
| New Jersey | Wayne | NJ-23 | Closed |
| New Jersey | Paramus | Bergen Town Center | Closed |
| Illinois | Schaumburg | E Golf Rd | Closed |
| Massachusetts | Tyngsborough | Middlesex Rd | Closed |
| Michigan | Troy | E Big Beaver Rd | Closed |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | Hughes Center Dr | Closed |
| New York | Lake Grove | Smith Haven Mall | Closed |
| Tennessee | Memphis | N Germantown Pkwy | Closed |
What Happens Next for Bahama Breeze?
Following the closures, approximately 28–29 Bahama Breeze locations remain open nationwide. Darden has not announced a final decision on the brand’s future but has outlined two possible directions:
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Sale of Bahama Breeze: Darden is reportedly in talks with potential buyers. If a deal goes through, the brand could continue under new ownership with a reimagined strategy.
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Conversion of Locations: If no buyer is found, Darden may rebrand select Bahama Breeze sites into other more profitable Darden chains such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
In the meantime, employees affected by the closures have been offered relocation opportunities within Darden or severance packages where transfers were not possible.
Industry Implications
The closure of Bahama Breeze outlets underscores the broader reality facing mid-tier restaurant brands: the need to be leaner, more digitally enabled, and responsive to fast-changing customer preferences. As diners demand more convenience, price transparency, and localized experiences, chains that once thrived on ambiance and novelty are now under pressure to adapt.
Bahama Breeze was once considered a fresh concept in casual dining—bringing a slice of the tropics to suburban malls and lifestyle centers. Its pullback reflects how even well-loved brands must evolve or face decline in today’s competitive foodservice landscape.
Bottom Line
The 2025 closures mark a major turning point for Bahama Breeze. Whether through reinvention, acquisition, or quiet wind-down, the chain’s next chapter is unfolding in real time. For fans of its mango mojitos and coconut shrimp, the clock is ticking—and for industry watchers, the brand is now a case study in survival strategy for modern casual dining.