Beloved Restaurant Chain Closing 14 of Last 28 Locations This Week
Just last month news broke that three fast food chains would be closing over 800 stores combined this year as Papa John's, Pizza Hut and Wendy's were forced to make tough decisions in a difficult restaurant economy.
But they aren't alone.
In just a few days another beloved restaurant chain will be closing 14 of its final 28 locations.
Bahama Breeze Shuttering 14 Restaurants
In earlier February, Darden Restaurants announced it would be closing all of its remaining 28 Bahama Breeze locations with a catch. 14 of the final 28 locations would be repurposed into other Darden chains while the remaining 14 would close as of April 5.
"The 14 restaurants designated for permanent closure are expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026. The company anticipates converting the remaining 14 locations over the next 12-18 months," the company said in a statement at the time.
"They are expected to continue to operate until any temporary closures are needed for the conversion. At this time, the company is not disclosing the specific Darden brands into which these locations will be converted."
The locations of the closing restaurants:
- Newark, DE
- Duluth, GA
- Miami, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Kissimmee, FL
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Sanford, FL
- Livonia, MI
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- Raleigh, NC
- King of Prussia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Woodbridge, VA
- Tukwila, WA
2 Bahama Breeze Locations Closed Early
While the restaurants were expected to remain open until April 5, at least two of the locations close a few weeks early. Both the Sanford, FL and the Kissimmee, FL locations closed their doors on March 15.
"A representative with Darden told News 6 on Monday that the Sanford location, as well as the Bahama Breeze on West Osceola Parkway, closed Sunday," News 6 reported at the time. One of the reasons why they closed earlier was that staff were already being given opportunities to work at other Darden locations, according to the rep."
News 6 was told that both management teams at the Sanford and Kissimmee locations — 11 people in total — were moved to other roles within the company.