Bahama Breeze closing; Fayetteville location to be converted into another Darden Restaurant brand

By Staff Report, posted Feb 4, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Logo courtesy of Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. has determined that it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants and plans to convert the remaining 14 locations into another Darden brand. The company does not expect these actions to have a material impact on its financial results.

Previously, the company announced that the Bahama Breeze brand, and its 28 locations, were no longer a strategic priority and that it would consider strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the brand or converting restaurants to other Darden brands.

Bahama Breeze opened in Fayetteville two years ago at 570 Cross Creek Mall.

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. They are expected to continue to operate until any temporary closures are needed for the conversion. The Fayetteville location is among those that are being converted. At this time, the company is not disclosing the specific Darden brands into which these locations will be converted.

The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio. 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 is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include 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.

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