Darden Restaurants has decided to wind down the Bahama Breeze chain, with plans to close 14 locations and convert another 14 to some of its other brands.
The owner of Olive Garden and other full-service chains said in June that it was considering strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-inspired seafood chain it created in 1996. The chain has been a drag on the company’s performance in recent years, posting a systemwide sales decline of 7.7% in 2024. In May, Darden closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations.
Alternatives included a potential sale. Instead, Orlando-based Darden will scrap the brand altogether. The 14 stores slated for closure will shut their doors April 5. The conversions will take place over the next 12 to 18 months…