Bahama Breeze Exits Naples: Darden to Sell or Rebrand Remaining Locations

Major Shift in Naples Dining Scene

Following the abrupt mid-May closure of 15 Bahama Breeze Island Grille restaurants nationwide—including the relatively new Coastland Center location in Naples—Darden Restaurants announced on June 20 that it's exploring strategic alternatives for the remaining 28 Bahama Breeze locations. Options include selling them or converting them to other Darden concepts like Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse.

Why the Change?

Darden CEO Rick Cardenas stated the brand "is not a strategic priority" and that the performance and long-term potential of Bahama Breeze would be better served under new ownership. Despite strong overall results—total quarterly sales increased 10.6% to $3.27 billion—Darden is doubling down on top-performing chains like Olive Garden and LongHorn with targeted investment and conversions.

The Naples Bahama Breeze, open just 10½ months, joins Florida locations in Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Oakland Park, and Sunrise that shut down in mid-May. That brings the total gone to five in Florida alone. Locally, this loss shifts the casual-dining map and leaves residents without their go-to Caribbean-themed dinner spot.

What’s Next for Remaining Locations?

• Sale – Darden is seeking new owners to potentially continue operating under the Bahama Breeze banner

• Conversion – Locations might be refitted as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, or another high-priority brand

• No Major Impact – Darden reports that any sale or conversion won’t significantly affect its financial outlook

Bigger Industry Trend

This is part of a wider shake-up in casual dining, with chains like Hooters, Red Lobster, and TGI Fridays downsizing amid rising costs and shifting consumer habits. Darden, for example, recently sold Red Lobster in 2014 to allocate capital toward its stronger-performing brands.