Beloved restaurant announces it will look to ‘sell off’ all locations after shuttering 15 spots a month ago
GONE FOREVER
Beloved restaurant announces it will look to ‘sell off’ all locations after shuttering 15 spots a month ago
The announcement comes after a number of other high profile closures by Hooters, Denny’s and Red Robin
- Jess Malcolm, Assistant Consumer Editor
- Published: 9:06 ET, Jun 20 2025
- Updated: 16:17 ET, Jun 20 2025
The parent company of a beloved restaurant chain has announced it will look to “sell off” all restaurants after shutting 15 locations a month ago.
Darden Restaurants CEO Rick Cardenas confirmed the company has made the decision to stop investing in all Bahama Breeze locations effective immediately, a chain known for its Caribbean inspired cuisine and tropical atmosphere.
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The decision comes after the company abruptly closed more than one-third of “underperforming” locations in May.
“We have made the difficult decision that these remaining locations are not a strategic priority for us,” Cardenas told an earnings call on Friday morning.
“We also believe this brand and these restaurants have the potential to benefit from a new owner.
“Consequently, we will be considering strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze.”
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The initial 15 closures affected locations in various states including Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and New York.
Bahama Breeze offers a menu featuring appetizers like Yuca cheese sticks, Jamaican jerk wings, entrees like jerk chicken pasta and cocktail flights.
According to its website, the chain is designed to transport guests to an island escape with lively ambiance and flavorful dishes.
The decision means the future of all 14 other locations is up in the air.
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Cardenas added the locations may be converted to other Darden Restaurant brands which include Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse if the parent company fails to find an interested buyer.
The announcement follows a string of decisions by Darden Restaurants’ competitors to permanently close locations.
FIERCE COMPETITION
While some closures are due to underperforming locations or mismanagement, many brands struggling with increased competition in the sector.
Some of America’s most beloved franchises have shut down 135 locations in recent months citing labor shortages, rising wages and inflation.
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For example, Hooters sparked headlines in March after declaring bankruptcy in a bid to address its $376 million debt burden.
It cited declining consumer spending and rising costs as a major reason for the filing.
