GEORGIA — Metro Atlanta is seeing a significant shift in its casual dining landscape. As part of Darden Restaurants’ nationwide retirement of the Bahama Breeze brand announced on February 3, 2026, the two remaining Georgia locations are heading toward very different fates.
Mixed News for Georgia Diners: Duluth to Close While Kennesaw Rebrands
While the "island getaway" on Breckenridge Boulevard is preparing for a permanent sunset, the Barrett Parkway location has been identified as a prime site for a future transformation.
Permanent Closure in Duluth
For fans of the tropical atmosphere in Gwinnett County, the news is final. The Duluth location is on the list of 14 sites nationwide slated for permanent closure.
- Closing Date: April 5, 2026
- Location: 3590 Breckenridge Blvd., Duluth, GA
After years of serving as a local destination for live music, jerk chicken pasta, and Bahamaritas, this site will not be rebranded by Darden and will cease operations entirely this spring.
A New Identity for Kennesaw
In contrast, the Kennesaw location has been saved from the chopping block. Darden has designated this site as a high-value property that will be converted into another brand within the Darden portfolio—which includes favorites like Yard House, Olive Garden, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
- Location: 755 Earnest W Barrett Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA
- The Transition: This site will remain open and continue to operate as Bahama Breeze for the time being. The full rebranding process is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with the restaurant staying in service until temporary closures are required for remodeling later in the year.
Support for Georgia Team Members
Darden Restaurants has pledged that its top priority during this brand retirement is supporting its local staff. The company’s strategy includes:
- Internal Placement: Employees at the closing Duluth site will be prioritized for placement at other nearby Darden-owned restaurants, such as LongHorn Steakhouse or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
- Job Stability: In Kennesaw, the conversion allows most current team members to stay with the location as it transitions to its new identity.
"The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio... the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members." — Darden Restaurants News Release
"The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio... the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members." — Darden Restaurants News Release