ORLANDO, Fla. – Time is running out for Bahama Breeze in Florida.
Last month, Darden Restaurants revealed that the chain, which is made up of 28 locations, is “no longer a strategic priority.”
As such, half of those locations will be permanently closed, and the other half will be converted into another Darden brand, officials explained.
Per the company, the 14 locations that are set to close are expected to keep operating through April 5. Meanwhile, the remaining locations will be converted over the next year or so.
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“They are expected to continue to operate until any temporary closures are needed for the conversion,” a release from the company reads. “At this time, the company is not disclosing the specific Darden brands into which these locations will be converted.”
The list of locations in Florida set to be closed or converted is as follows:
| CLOSING LOCATIONS (APRIL 5) | CONVERSION LOCATIONS (TBD) |
|---|---|
| 12395 SW 88th Street, Miami, FL | 499 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL |
| 10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville, FL | 805 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon, FL |
| 1251 West Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, FL | 14701 S. Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers, FL |
| 11000 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL | 8160 Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL |
| 1540 Rinehart Road, Sanford, FL | 5620 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, FL |
| -- | 8849 International Drive, Orlando, FL |
| -- | 8735 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL |
| -- | 1200 N. Alafaya Drive, Orlando, FL |
| -- | 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL |
“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” the release concludes. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.”
Darden’s portfolio of brands includes many popular chains nationwide, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, and Eddie V’s.