Olive Garden’s Sister Chain Unexpectedly Closes All Locations: What This Means for the Restaurant Industry

Another well-known dining establishment is disappearing from the culinary landscape almost overnight.

Bahama Breeze, the vibrant Caribbean-themed counterpart to Olive Garden, is set to shutter its doors for good. This unexpected decision comes from Darden Restaurants, the parent company behind the chain, which announced the closure on Tuesday.

After nearly three decades of bringing island-inspired cuisine to its patrons, the Orlando-based corporation has decided to permanently close half of Bahama Breeze’s 28 locations. The remaining 14 restaurants are slated for transformation into other brands within the Darden portfolio.

For those wishing to enjoy one last meal at Bahama Breeze, the restaurants scheduled for closure will continue serving guests until April 5.

Darden said the restaurants slated for permanent closure will remain open through April 5.

The company said rebranding the remaining 14 locations will take about 12 to 18 months, with restaurants staying open except for any brief shutdowns needed during the transition. 

Darden did not say which brands the Bahama Breeze sites will become. 

Darden owns Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and Chuy’s.

Bahama Breeze, a casual dining restaurant chain, is closing its doors for good

The Orlando-based company announced it will permanently close 14 of Bahama Breeze’s 28 restaurants and rebrand the remaining locations under other Darden concepts (pictured: Bahama Breeze customers)

Bahama Breeze specializes in Caribbean-inspired food and tropical cocktails

The parent company also runs three fine dining restaurant chains: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and The Capital Grille. 

‘The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,’ Darden. ‘Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.’ 

The Bahama Breeze locations set to be closed permanently are in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.

Most of the restaurants set for conversion are in Florida, with others located in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Darden Restaurants’ shares have climbed more than 14 percent so far this year. 

Bahama Breeze has been flashing warnings signs for quite some time.

Back in May, the restaurant abruptly closed 15 restaurants after suffering a sharp decline in earnings. 

At the time, Darden Restaurants tried to offer affected workers jobs at other Darden-owned establishments, such as Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.

Other staff members not able to rehire were paid severance. 

The Bahama Breeze locations set to be closed permanently are in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington (pictured: a Bahama Breeze customer)

Darden owns Olive Garden (pictured), LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, and Chuy’s

Founded in 1996, the small, Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain opened its first location in Orlando, Florida. Bahama Breeze expanded to other states and operated approximately 43 locations by 2014.

Bahama Breeze is not alone in its struggles.

Many other restaurants have been shutting locations as Americans dine out less amidst economic uncertainty. 

Noodles & Company just said it will close another 30 to 35 restaurants in 2026, on top of more shutdowns than initially planned last year. 

Popular California fast-food spot Kasper’s Hot Dogs – famous for its chili dogs and old-school charm – closed its last two locations late last year. 

Another West  Coast institution, Lemonade, closed its last remaining Bay Area store after shutting all other locations in the area just months ago.