Bahama Breeze Closures 2025: Which Locations Are Shutting Down and What It Means for Your Island-Inspired Favorites

UPDATE: Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Bahama Breeze has shuttered roughly one-third of its U.S. footprint, closing 15 of its 43 island-inspired grills in mid-May, parent company Darden Restaurants has confirmed. H2 How many Bahama Breeze restaurants just closed? • 15 permanent closures across eight states • Portfolio now stands at 28 remaining locations (down from 43) H2 Why is Darden downsizing Bahama Breeze? Darden says the decision followed a “careful analysis of store performance” and will let the chain “focus on high-performing units” while redirecting staff where possible. Industry analysts point to rising labor, food and occupancy costs and softer traffic at casual-dining concepts as additional pressure points. H2 States and cities hit hardest Florida — the brand’s home market — lost five stores, including: • Oakland Park (3339 N. Federal Hwy) • Sunrise (Sawgrass Mills) • Daytona Beach • Gainesville • Naples Other confirmed shutdowns occurred in New Jersey, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, though Darden has not released a full public list. H2 Is Bahama Breeze being sold? Multiple business outlets report that Darden is “exploring strategic alternatives,” including an outright sale of the smaller brand as it concentrates on flagship Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. No buyer has been announced. H2 What happens to gift cards and loyalty rewards? Darden says all gift cards remain valid at the 28 surviving Bahama Breeze locations as well as at any other Darden concept nationwide. Guests can check the locator on BahamaBreeze.com for the nearest open restaurant. H2 Employee impact The company sought to transfer staff to sister brands; workers who could not be placed received severance packages. H2 Customer reactions: “Paradise lost” Social media feeds have filled with nostalgia posts and frustration over gift-card redemption, especially in Florida and New Jersey. Some fans are organizing “last-call” meet-ups at surviving units to savor the chain’s signature jerk chicken pasta and tropical cocktails. H2 What to do if your local Bahama Breeze closed 1. Redeem unused gift cards at any remaining Darden restaurant. 2. Sign up for closure-specific email alerts on the brand’s website. 3. Watch local classifieds: landlords often recruit replacement tenants quickly, and those spaces may host new dining concepts within months. H2 FAQ (Quick answers for searchers) • Is Bahama Breeze closing for good? No. Fifteen locations closed, but 28 remain open. • Which Bahama Breeze restaurants closed in Florida? Oakland Park, Sunrise, Daytona Beach, Gainesville and Naples. • Will my Bahama Breeze gift card still work? Yes, at any Darden restaurant nationwide. • Is Darden selling Bahama Breeze? The company says it is evaluating “strategic alternatives,” including a sale, but no deal has been finalized. Bottom line: The latest wave of Bahama Breeze closures underscores the mounting cost pressures on full-service chains and hints that Darden may soon part ways with its Caribbean-themed brand. Fans should check the official store locator before making the trip — or risk finding an empty palm-tree sign where “island time” once reigned.