Eight months after New Times broke the story that Bahama Breeze had closed two Broward restaurants as part of a nationwide shutdown, the end of the island-inspired chain is officially here.
Fans of frozen cocktails, coconut shrimp, and island escapism will soon have to look elsewhere as Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed restaurant chain that once defined casual tropical dining across Florida and beyond, is closing all of its remaining U.S. locations, including its two last remaining outposts in South Florida. The locations in Kendall and Pembroke Pines will close on April 5.
Some Bahama Breeze Spots Will Be Converted
In a Feb. 3 news release, Darden Restaurants announced that the Bahama Breeze brand will be shuttered as part of a broader portfolio shift. The chain currently operates 28 locations nationwide. Roughly half of those restaurants will be converted into other Darden-owned concepts, while the remaining locations will close entirely.
Darden did not specify which brands would replace Bahama Breeze at the conversion sites, but its portfolio includes familiar heavyweights such as Olive Garden, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Seasons 52…