Darden Restaurants to Shut All Bahama Breeze Locations by April 5

What’s happening – Darden Restaurants, the parent of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, announced that it will permanently close all 28 remaining Bahama Breeze restaurants. Fourteen sites will cease operations on April 5, 2026, while the other fourteen will be converted to other Darden brands.

Why it matters – Bahama Breeze, founded in 1996, built a niche with its Caribbean‑inspired menu and island‑themed décor. The chain peaked at 43 locations, but Darden said the concept is no longer a strategic priority.

Timeline – The decision was first disclosed in February, following a review that also saw a third of the chain’s locations shuttered a year earlier. By early April, the remaining outlets will close their doors, ending a three‑decade run.

Industry impact – Analysts view the move as part of Darden’s broader effort to focus on higher‑margin brands. The conversions may bolster existing concepts such as Olive Garden or LongHorn, but the loss of Bahama Breeze underscores the challenges faced by niche casual‑dining chains in a shifting market.