On February 3, 2026, Darden Restaurants confirmed that Bahama Breeze will close all of its 28 remaining locations, marking the end of a 30-year run for the Caribbean-inspired dining chain. This decision comes nearly a year after the chain abruptly shuttered a third of its restaurants, leading to ongoing speculation about its future.

The closures are set to occur over the coming months, with all locations expected to cease operations by April 5, 2026. Darden plans to convert half of the closing sites into other brands it operates, although specific details about which chains will occupy these locations have not yet been disclosed.

In the past year, Bahama Breeze has struggled amid declining sales, experiencing an approximately 8% drop. Darden's CEO, Rick Cardenas, noted that the brand was no longer a strategic priority and expressed the belief that it could thrive under new ownership.

This climate of closures reflects broader challenges faced by restaurant chains that cater to lower- and middle-income families, as many consumers tighten their budgets amidst rising costs due to inflation. Despite Bahama Breeze's shutdown, other Darden brands, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, have reported positive growth, illustrating the complex dynamics within the dining industry.

As the closing date approaches, Darden's focus will shift to supporting remaining team members, with efforts made to transition as many employees as possible into roles within its other successful brands.