Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-inspired informal eating chain owned by Darden Eating places, has completely closed 5 of its Florida areas as a part of a complete of 15 closures throughout eight states.
The transfer comes amid shifting shopper preferences, rising prices, and ongoing changes within the restaurant business.
The Florida areas affected are:
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3989 Plaza Blvd, Gainesville
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2088 ninth St N, Naples
– Commercial –
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1786 W Worldwide Speedway Blvd, Daytona Seashore
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2750 Sawgrass Mills Cir, Dawn
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3339 N Federal Hwy, Oakland Park
Whereas these closures mark a big change, a number of different Bahama Breeze eating places stay open throughout Florida, together with the favored Pembroke Pines location. That spot has lengthy been a favourite hangout for Jamaican and different Caribbean communities dwelling in Broward County.
Bahama Breeze has constructed a robust reference to Caribbean Individuals in South Florida, providing a style of the islands with its Caribbean-inspired menu, tropical cocktails, and vigorous environment. The Kendall location, for instance, has hosted occasions and performances that includes native reggae acts like Pluto Shervington, who died in 2024.
Darden Eating places, which additionally owns Olive Backyard and LongHorn Steakhouse, confirmed the closures on Friday however didn’t specify detailed causes.
“We frequently consider the efficiency of all our eating places. … Closing a restaurant is a troublesome selection as a result of it impacts our staff members and friends,” Darden spokesperson Kiara Buckner informed Newsweek. “After thorough evaluation and cautious consideration, we made the choice to shut 15 Bahama Breeze areas. Nevertheless, we consider that is the suitable resolution as a result of it’ll permit Bahama Breeze to concentrate on its highest performing eating places and strengthen the model’s general efficiency.”
Different closures happened in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee.
Darden stated it’s working to relocate impacted staff to different company-owned eating places the place attainable, providing severance packages for many who are unable or select to not transfer.
Based in 1996, Bahama Breeze has been acknowledged for its Caribbean-themed menu, tropical cocktails, and dwell leisure. As of March 2025, Darden operated 43 Bahama Breeze eating places nationwide.
