Bahama Breeze to Close All Florida Locations After 30 Years

Eight months after New Times broke the story that Bahama Breeze had closed two Broward restaurants as part of a nationwide shutdown, the end of the island-inspired chain is officially here.

Fans of frozen cocktails, coconut shrimp, and island escapism will soon have to look elsewhere as Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-themed restaurant chain that once defined casual tropical dining across Florida and beyond, is closing all of its remaining U.S. locations, including its two last remaining outposts in South Florida. The locations in Kendall and Pembroke Pines will close on April 5.

Some Bahama Breeze Spots Will Be Converted

In a Feb. 3 news release, Darden Restaurants announced that the Bahama Breeze brand will be shuttered as part of a broader portfolio shift. The chain currently operates 28 locations nationwide. Roughly half of those restaurants will be converted into other Darden-owned concepts, while the remaining locations will close entirely.

Darden did not specify which brands would replace Bahama Breeze at the conversion sites, but its portfolio includes familiar heavyweights such as Olive Garden, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Seasons 52.

“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden says in the release.

A Florida-Born and Raised Restaurant Chain

Founded in Florida in the 1990s, Bahama Breeze became synonymous with laid-back island vibes, tropical cocktails, and Caribbean-inspired comfort food.

Its menu leaned heavily on seafood, chicken, steak, and salads accented with bold, sunny flavors, with longtime favorites like coconut shrimp and seafood paella anchoring the brand’s identity. For many Floridians, the restaurants were staples for happy hours, birthdays, and casual celebrations, especially in tourist corridors and suburban shopping centers.

The closures mark the final chapter of a multi-year contraction. Darden previously shut down roughly one-third of Bahama Breeze locations and explored “strategic alternatives,” including a potential sale of the brand in 2025. Ultimately, the company chose to sunset the concept entirely.

Restaurants slated for full closure will cease operations on April 5. Locations that will convert to new spots will remain open until any temporary closures are required for renovations. Darden emphasized that its “primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members,” including placing as many employees as possible into roles across its broader restaurant portfolio.

In Florida, where the brand was born, the impact will be especially visible.

The following Bahama Breeze locations will close in April (in bold), while some will convert to new Darden-brand restaurants over the next two years:

• 12395 SW 88th St., Miami
• 11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines
• 10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville
• 1251 West Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee
• 1540 Rinehart Rd., Sanford
• 499 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs
• 805 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon
• 14701 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
• 8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee
• 25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz
• 5620 W. Oak Ridge Rd., Orlando
• 8849 International Dr., Orlando
• 8735 Vineland Ave., Orlando
• 1200 N. Alafaya Dr., Orlando
• 3045 N. Rocky Point Dr. East, Tampa

Bahama Breeze. 12395 SW 88th St., Miami, and 11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines; bahamabreeze.com. Closing April 5.