FLORIDA — As the birthplace and longtime headquarters of Bahama Breeze, Florida is facing the most significant impact from Darden Restaurants' decision to retire the brand. In an announcement on February 3, 2026, the company revealed a massive restructuring: while five Florida locations will close their doors forever this April, ten others have been designated as "prime real estate" and will transition into other Darden concepts.
The move marks the end of an era for the Caribbean-themed chain, which first opened its doors in Orlando in 1996.
Permanent Closures This Spring
Five Florida locations are among the 14 nationwide slated for a final sunset. These restaurants will officially cease operations on April 5, 2026.
- Jacksonville: 10205 Rivercoast Drive (St. Johns Town Center)
- Miami: 12395 SW 88th St. (Kendall)
- Kissimmee: 1251 West Osceola Pkwy.
- Pembroke Pines: 11000 Pines Blvd.
- Sanford: 1540 Rinehart Road
For these communities, April 5 marks the final day to enjoy signature jerk chicken and Bahamaritas before the sites are shuttered permanently.
The "Prime Ten": Future Rebrands
In a show of confidence in Florida’s real estate, Darden is keeping ten locations within the family. These sites will eventually drop the Bahama Breeze name and be converted into high-performing sister brands, such as Yard House, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, or Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
- Orlando Area: Altamonte Springs (499 E. Altamonte Dr.), Oak Ridge Rd. (5620 W. Oak Ridge Rd.), International Drive (8849 International Dr.), Vineland Ave. (8735 Vineland Ave.), and Alafaya Dr. (1200 N. Alafaya Dr.)
- Tampa Bay Area: Tampa (3045 N. Rocky Point Dr. East), Brandon (805 Brandon Town Center Dr.), and Lutz (25830 Sierra Center Blvd.)
- Southwest Florida: Fort Myers (14701 S. Tamiami Trail)
- Kissimmee: 8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (US 192)
The Transition Plan: These locations will continue to operate as Bahama Breeze for the next 12 to 18 months. Temporary closures will only be announced as they prepare for remodeling into their new identities.
Commitment to Florida Teams
Darden Restaurants, based in Orlando, has emphasized that its primary focus is supporting the thousands of Florida employees affected by these shifts.
- Internal Relocation: Employees at closing sites are being prioritized for placement at other Darden locations.
- Seamless Transitions: At conversion sites, many team members will have the opportunity to transition directly into the new restaurant concepts as they open.
"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
Final Call for an Island Escape
Florida residents at the closing locations have until Sunday, April 5, 2026, for one last tropical meal. Meanwhile, those near the conversion sites can continue to visit their local Bahama Breeze while awaiting the official announcement of which new Darden favorite will be taking over.
