If you are someone who has always loved the Caribbean-themed menu of your favorite restaurant, Bahama Breeze, then we may have some bad news for you. The parent company of Bahama Breeze, Darden Restaurants, has officially announced that it is going to sell off the chain. Darden Restaurants has made it clear that it is not going to invest in Bahama Breeze any further. If you are someone who wants to know more about Bahama Breeze closing all locations and Darden Restaurants looking for a buyer for the chain, the following article is for you.
What Did The CEO Of Darden Restaurants Say About The Bahama Breeze Chain?
Rick Cardenas, who is currently appointed as the CEO of Darden Restaurants, officially announced the news this Friday through an official statement during the earnings call. He mentioned that the company is going to start looking for strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze. The company has already closed several locations, and Cardenas mentioned that the remaining locations of the chain are not their priority anymore. Further adding to that, he stated that the company believes that Bahama Breeze and its restaurants have the potential to bring benefits from a new owner.
Future Of Remaining Locations Uncertain
Darden Restaurants has already closed a total of 15 locations in the past across Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York. The chain now has only 14 locations that are currently operating in the country. However, after the recent announcement, the future of these locations looks uncertain as well. Darden Restaurants has made it clear that if it fails to find a buyer for the chain, the company is going to convert these locations into brands like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse that will bring in more profits.
Bahama Breeze’s Loyal Fan Base Suffers
The Bahama Breeze restaurant chain has been operating across the country since 1996 and has developed a pretty loyal fan base. It is known for offering a lively island-inspired ambience along with staple menu items like Jamaican jerk wings, jerk chicken pasta, along those vibrant and colorful cocktail flights. Those who were fans of the Bahama Breeze food chain may no longer be able to eat at their favorite restaurant in case Darden Restaurants fails to find a buyer for the chain.
Darden Restaurants’ Financial Success Over The Years
Despite the Bahama Breeze restaurant closures, Darden Restaurants’ financial success over the years was evident during their earnings call on Friday. The company managed sales worth $3.27 billion during the final quarter of fiscal year 2025. It has also witnessed a 10.6% increase from the same quarter the previous year. The net earnings of Darden Restaurants were estimated at $303.8 million. The company mentioned that its adherence to its winning strategy, as well as being brilliant with the basics, led them to another successful year. It further added that the company will stick to its strategy in order to drive growth as well as long-term shareholder value.
Other Food Chains Facing Similar Problems Like Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze is not the only one in the industry that is facing a tough time this year. Other significant names in the industry, like Hooters, are also facing similar problems. The restaurant chain recently filed for bankruptcy and is reportedly $376 million in debt. Other food chains like Red Robin’s and Denny’s are also going for mass closures by the end of 2025.
