Bahama Breeze Sale Update: Massive Changes Coming:- Are you a fan of Bahama Breeze’s vibrant Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails, now worried about the future of your favorite dining spot? The Bahama Breeze sale update has sent shockwaves through the casual dining scene, with parent company Darden Restaurants announcing plans to sell the chain or convert its remaining locations, following the closure of 15 restaurants in May 2025. With only 28 locations left, primarily in Florida, this move signals a major shift for the beloved brand known for its island vibes. This post offering trustworthy insights for diners and investors. Share your thoughts at [dininginsights@gmail.com], comment below, or subscribe to our newsletter for restaurant updates!
Overview of Bahama Breeze Sale Update
Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants, has been a staple in the U.S. casual dining scene since its founding in 1996 in Orlando, Florida. Known for its seafood, jerk chicken, and tropical drinks, the chain once operated 43 locations but faced a 7.7% sales decline in 2024, prompting significant changes. In May 2025, Darden closed 15 underperforming locations, and on June 20, 2025, CEO Rick Cardenas announced during an earnings call that the remaining 28 locations are up for sale or may be converted to other Darden brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse. This Bahama Breeze sale update reflects Darden’s shift away from the brand, citing it as no longer a “strategic priority.”
Key Details of the Sale Update
- Parent Company: Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Locations Closed: 15 in May 2025
- Remaining Locations: 28 (16 in Florida, others in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington)
- Sale Announcement: June 20, 2025, during Darden’s earnings call
- Strategic Options: Sell the brand or convert locations to other Darden brands
- Sales Performance: $246.7 million in 2024, down 7.7% from 2023
- Source: Darden Restaurants, USA Today, CNN
List of All Bahama Breeze Branches Closed in May 2025
In May 2025, Darden shuttered 15 Bahama Breeze locations across seven states, reducing the chain’s footprint by over a third. Below is the complete list of closed branches:
Closed Locations
- Florida (5):
- Gainesville: 3989 Plaza Blvd
- Naples: 2088 Ninth St. N, Coastland Center (closed after 10.5 months)
- Oakland Park: 3339 N Federal Hwy
- Sunrise: 2750 Sawgrass Mills Circle
- Daytona Beach: 1786 W International Speedway Blvd
- New Jersey (4):
- Paramus: 1600 Bergen Town Center
- Toms River: 1201 Hooper Ave
- Wayne: 1745 Willowbrook Mall
- Woodbridge: 1000 St. Georges Ave
- Illinois (1): Schaumburg, 1800 E Golf Rd
- Massachusetts (1): Burlington, 66 S Ave
- Michigan (1): Troy, 539 E Big Beaver Rd
- Nevada (1): Las Vegas, 375 Hughes Center Dr
- New York (1): West Nyack, 1000 Palisades Center Dr
- Tennessee (1): Memphis, 7810 Poplar Ave
Table: Closed Bahama Breeze Locations
| State | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Gainesville | 3989 Plaza Blvd |
| Florida | Naples | 2088 Ninth St. N, Coastland Center |
| Florida | Oakland Park | 3339 N Federal Hwy |
| Florida | Sunrise | 2750 Sawgrass Mills Circle |
| Florida | Daytona Beach | 1786 W International Speedway Blvd |
| New Jersey | Paramus | 1600 Bergen Town Center |
| New Jersey | Toms River | 1201 Hooper Ave |
| New Jersey | Wayne | 1745 Willowbrook Mall |
| New Jersey | Woodbridge | 1000 St. Georges Ave |
| Illinois | Schaumburg | 1800 E Golf Rd |
| Massachusetts | Burlington | 66 S Ave |
| Michigan | Troy | 539 E Big Beaver Rd |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | 375 Hughes Center Dr |
| New York | West Nyack | 1000 Palisades Center Dr |
| Tennessee | Memphis | 7810 Poplar Ave |
Source: USA Today, NBC Miami, WPTV
Reasons Behind the Closures and Sale
The Bahama Breeze sale update stems from a combination of financial and strategic factors. Darden’s decision to close 15 locations and explore selling the brand is driven by:
- Sales Decline: A 7.7% drop in U.S. sales in 2024 ($246.7 million vs. 2023), reflecting broader casual dining challenges.
- Economic Pressures: Inflation and reduced disposable income have led consumers to prioritize value-driven dining, impacting chains like Bahama Breeze that cater to middle-income families.
- Strategic Shift: Darden’s focus on high-performing brands like Olive Garden (900+ locations) and LongHorn Steakhouse, which account for the majority of its $10.5 billion revenue.
- Underperforming Locations: Closures targeted restaurants with low sales, such as Naples, which operated for less than a year.
- Portfolio Optimization: CEO Rick Cardenas stated that Bahama Breeze is not a “strategic priority,” suggesting a sale or conversion to brands with stronger growth potential.
Case Study: In 2023, Darden sold its Smokey Bones chain to FAT Brands after similar underperformance, indicating a pattern of divesting non-core brands. This precedent suggests Bahama Breeze may follow a similar path if no buyer emerges.
Impact on Employees and Customers
The closures affected hundreds of employees, with 327 layoffs in New Jersey alone. Darden committed to supporting impacted workers by:
- Relocation: Offering transfers to nearby Darden brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse.
- Severance: Providing up to 60 days of wage and benefit payments under the WARN Act for employees unable to transfer.
Customers expressed nostalgia and disappointment on social media, particularly on X, where fans mourned the loss of Bahama Breeze’s unique island atmosphere and dishes like Jamaican Jerk Wings. Posts highlighted fond memories at locations like Kennesaw, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida.
Example: A customer on X shared, “Grew up going to the Kennesaw Bahama Breeze. Sad to see it go, but hoping a new owner can keep the vibe alive.”
Future of Bahama Breeze: Sale or Conversion?
The Bahama Breeze sale update outlines two primary paths for the remaining 28 locations:
- Sale to New Owner: Darden believes the brand has growth potential under new ownership, possibly a restaurant group specializing in casual dining. No interested buyers have been publicly named, and no timeline for the sale has been confirmed.
- Conversion to Other Brands: If no buyer is found, Darden may convert locations to Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, or other portfolio brands like Ruth’s Chris Steak House or The Capital Grille.
Analyst Insight: Maeve Webster, president of Menu Matters, noted that closing underperforming units allows chains to focus resources on stronger brands, a strategy Darden is employing to bolster overall profitability.
Remaining Bahama Breeze Locations
As of June 2025, 28 Bahama Breeze locations remain operational, with 16 in Florida. Key remaining locations include:
- Florida: Fort Myers (14701 S Tamiami Trail), Pembroke Pines (11000 Pines Blvd), Jacksonville (10205 River Coast Dr), Orlando (International Drive), and 12 others
- New Jersey: Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38)
- Michigan: Livonia (19600 Haggerty Rd)
- Other States: Delaware, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington
Note: Visit bahamabreeze.com to confirm operating locations, as additional closures may occur.
Bahama Breeze’s Brand Legacy
Despite the Bahama Breeze sale update, fans can still enjoy the chain’s offerings at remaining locations or through to-go orders. Here’s how to stay connected:
- Visit Remaining Locations: Check bahamabreeze.com for open restaurants and happy hour deals.
- Join Island Insiders eClub: Sign up at bahamabreeze.com for exclusive offers, like $10 off for birthdays.
- Text Updates: Text ISLAND to 273393 for news and promotions.
- Social Media: Follow Bahama Breeze on Instagram or X for updates on menus and events.
Industry Context: Casual Dining Challenges
The Bahama Breeze sale update reflects broader struggles in the casual dining sector. Inflation, rising wages, and declining disposable income have pushed consumers toward fast-casual or value-driven options. Other chains, like Applebee’s and TGI Fridays, have also closed locations in 2024–2025. Darden’s focus on Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, which reported stronger same-store sales, underscores the need for portfolio optimization.
Case Study: In 2022, Darden’s acquisition of Chuy’s bolstered its portfolio with a growing Tex-Mex brand, contrasting with Bahama Breeze’s stagnant growth. This strategic shift highlights Darden’s preference for brands with scalability.
FAQ: Bahama Breeze Sale Update
1. What is the Bahama Breeze sale update, and why is the chain being sold?
The Bahama Breeze sale update refers to Darden Restaurants’ announcement on June 20, 2025, that it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Bahama Breeze chain, including selling the brand or converting its 28 remaining locations to other Darden brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse. The decision follows the closure of 15 locations in May 2025, driven by a 7.7% sales decline in 2024 ($246.7 million). CEO Rick Cardenas stated that Bahama Breeze is not a “strategic priority,” citing its underperformance compared to Darden’s other brands.
Economic pressures, such as inflation and reduced consumer spending, have hit casual dining chains hard, prompting Darden to focus on high-performing assets. The company believes a new owner could revitalize the brand, but no buyers or timeline have been confirmed. Fans are encouraged to visit remaining locations while they remain open.
2. Which Bahama Breeze locations closed in May 2025?
In May 2025, Bahama Breeze closed 15 locations across seven states to focus on its 28 highest-performing restaurants. The closed locations are: Florida (Gainesville, 3989 Plaza Blvd; Naples, 2088 Ninth St. N; Oakland Park, 3339 N Federal Hwy; Sunrise, 2750 Sawgrass Mills Circle; Daytona Beach, 1786 W International Speedway Blvd); New Jersey (Paramus, 1600 Bergen Town Center; Toms River, 1201 Hooper Ave; Wayne, 1745 Willowbrook Mall; Woodbridge, 1000 St. Georges Ave);
Illinois (Schaumburg, 1800 E Golf Rd); Massachusetts (Burlington, 66 S Ave); Michigan (Troy, 539 E Big Beaver Rd); Nevada (Las Vegas, 375 Hughes Center Dr); New York (West Nyack, 1000 Palisades Center Dr); and Tennessee (Memphis, 7810 Poplar Ave). These closures impacted 327 workers in New Jersey alone, with Darden offering transfers or severance. Check bahamabreeze.com for remaining locations.
3. What are the remaining Bahama Breeze locations after the closures?
As of June 2025, Bahama Breeze operates 28 locations, with 16 in Florida and others in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington. Key Florida locations include Fort Myers (14701 S Tamiami Trail), Pembroke Pines (11000 Pines Blvd), Jacksonville (10205 River Coast Dr), and Orlando (International Drive). In New Jersey, only Cherry Hill (2000 Route 38) remains. Michigan’s sole location is in Livonia (19600 Haggerty Rd). The exact list of remaining locations can be found on bahamabreeze.com, as further closures may occur.
Customers should verify hours and availability, as some locations offer happy hour specials and to-go orders. Joining the Island Insiders eClub provides updates on operating restaurants and promotions. The Bahama Breeze sale update suggests these locations may be sold or converted, so visit soon.
4. What does the potential sale or conversion mean for Bahama Breeze customers?
The Bahama Breeze sale update indicates that Darden Restaurants may sell the chain or convert its 28 remaining locations into other brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse. For customers, this could mean the loss of Bahama Breeze’s unique Caribbean-inspired menu and island atmosphere if no buyer is found. A sale to a new owner could revitalize the brand, potentially leading to new locations or menu updates, but no buyers have been named as of June 2025.
In the meantime, customers can visit remaining locations, enjoy happy hour deals (e.g., $5 margaritas), or order to-go via bahamabreeze.com. Signing up for the Island Insiders eClub offers discounts like $10 off for birthdays. Social media posts on X reflect nostalgia for the brand, urging fans to support it while it lasts.
5. How are Bahama Breeze employees affected by the closures and sale?
The closure of 15 Bahama Breeze locations in May 2025 impacted hundreds of employees, including 327 in New Jersey. Darden Restaurants committed to supporting affected workers by offering transfers to nearby brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse or providing up to 60 days of wage and benefit payments under the WARN Act. For example, the Troy, Michigan, location employed 70 people, all offered relocation or severance.
The Bahama Breeze sale update raises uncertainty for employees at the remaining 28 locations, as a sale or conversion could lead to further job changes. Darden has not detailed plans for these workers if the brand is sold, but past divestitures, like Smokey Bones in 2007, suggest transitions to new owners or brands are possible. Employees and customers can stay updated via bahamabreeze.com.
Conclusion
The Bahama Breeze sale update marks a pivotal moment for the Caribbean-inspired chain, with Darden Restaurants closing 15 locations in May 2025 and considering selling or converting the remaining 28. Driven by a 7.7% sales decline and a strategic shift toward brands like Olive Garden, this move reflects challenges in the casual dining sector. Fans can still enjoy Bahama Breeze’s tropical vibe at locations like Fort Myers and Cherry Hill, but the brand’s future is uncertain.
Visit bahamabreeze.com for open locations, join the Island Insiders eClub for deals, or text ISLAND to 273393 for updates. Share your Bahama Breeze memories at [dininginsights@gmail.com], comment below, or subscribe to our newsletter for restaurant news!
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