Darden will close or convert all Bahama Breeze restaurants, affecting two metro Atlanta locations this spring

Company plans permanent closures and brand conversions after strategic review

Bahama Breeze Island Grille, a Caribbean-themed casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants, will cease operating under its current brand as the company moves to close or convert every remaining location in the United States. Darden said it will permanently close 14 restaurants and convert the other 14 into different Darden concepts over the next 12 to 18 months.

In metro Atlanta, the change affects two locations: the Bahama Breeze at 3590 Breckenridge Blvd. in Duluth is slated for permanent closure, while the restaurant at 510 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway NW in Kennesaw is expected to be converted into another Darden brand. Darden has not identified which concept will replace Bahama Breeze at conversion sites.

Timeline: April closure date for select locations, longer runway for conversions

Darden said the 14 restaurants designated for permanent closure are expected to continue operating through April 5, 2026. The 14 locations targeted for conversion are expected to keep operating until temporary closures are required for remodeling or operational changes tied to the rebrand.

The company characterized the conversion sites as strong restaurant properties that can support other brands in its portfolio. Darden said it does not expect the closures and conversions to have a material impact on its financial results.

What Darden has disclosed about employee impacts

Darden said its primary focus during the transition will be supporting affected employees. The company stated it intends to place as many team members as possible into roles across its broader restaurant portfolio.

Darden has not publicly detailed store-by-store staffing plans or the timing of any remodel-related shutdowns at conversion locations.

How Bahama Breeze arrived at this point

Darden created Bahama Breeze in the 1990s as part of a broader effort to build multiple restaurant concepts. Over time, the brand’s footprint contracted, including a round of closures in 2025. In February 2026, Darden said it had completed an exploration of strategic alternatives for the brand, which had included a potential sale of Bahama Breeze or converting restaurants to other concepts. The company ultimately selected a combination of permanent closures and conversions.

Metro Atlanta details at a glance

• Duluth: 3590 Breckenridge Blvd. — scheduled for permanent closure; expected to operate through April 5, 2026.

• Kennesaw: 510 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway NW — expected to be converted to another Darden brand within 12 to 18 months; interim operating schedule may change if a temporary closure is needed for conversion.

For diners, the immediate change is concentrated on the Duluth closure date. For the Kennesaw site, the next major development will be Darden’s eventual announcement of which concept will replace Bahama Breeze and when any conversion-related shutdown could occur.