An abrupt wave of closures leaves dozens of Bahama Breeze employees in tears as Darden Restaurants, led by spokesperson Kiara Buckner, faces fallout from a sharp decline in earnings.

Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain operated by Olive Garden’s parent company, Darden Restaurants, has suddenly shuttered 15 of its locations across multiple states following a 7.7 percent slump in sales last year, according to Daily Mail Online. This decision affects roughly a third of Bahama Breeze’s U.S. footprint, leaving only 29 locations open nationwide and hundreds of workers searching for answers.

The closures, which span Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee, have sent shockwaves through the company’s workforce and loyal customer base. Darden’s move to close these restaurants comes after months of financial pressure and changing consumer habits, as inflation and rising meal prices prompt Americans to cut back on dining out. Employees at affected locations were left devastated, with layoffs numbering in the hundreds and questions swirling about the chain’s future.

Impact on Workers and Local Communities

For staff and patrons alike, the sudden closures represent more than a corporate restructuring—they signal lost livelihoods and altered community landscapes. In Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, 73 employees lost their jobs overnight. The impact in New Jersey was even greater: 327 workers were left jobless as four restaurants closed in the state. States like Florida, where Bahama Breeze has always had a strong presence, also faced multiple closures, including in Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Naples, Oakland Park, and Sunrise.

Darden Restaurants, for its part, has stressed that it has tried to support affected workers. Some employees have reportedly been offered positions at other Darden-owned chains, such as Olive Garden or LongHorn Steakhouse. Those who could not be placed elsewhere have received severance packages. Still, the emotional toll and sudden disruption have left many feeling blindsided.

Spokesperson Kiara Buckner acknowledged the hardship in a statement:

Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests. However, we believe this is the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the brand’s overall performance.

Financial Troubles and Industry Shifts

The decision to shutter so many locations follows a year of mounting losses for Bahama Breeze. In 2024, the chain experienced a 7.7 percent sales decline, a figure that alarmed both executives and industry analysts. Founded in 1996 in Orlando, Florida, Bahama Breeze once operated approximately 43 locations nationwide. While never as large as its sister brands, it became a beloved destination for Caribbean-inspired cuisine and tropical drinks.

However, a combination of inflation, higher menu prices, and changing consumer preferences has battered the casual dining sector. Darden’s move reflects a broader trend: restaurant chains across the country are closing underperforming locations as they scramble to avoid bankruptcy and stabilize their finances. Other well-known chains, such as Jack in the Box and Red Robin, have faced similar pressures, with the former announcing plans to close up to 200 restaurants and the latter weighing the closure of 70 stores.

Olive Garden Stays Strong Amid Turmoil

While Bahama Breeze is downsizing, Darden’s flagship brand, Olive Garden, continues to thrive—at least for now. The Italian-themed restaurant chain has not announced any closures for this year and has even refreshed its menu with popular specials. Olive Garden customers can now place orders via the website or app and have meals delivered by Uber drivers, a move that has been met with enthusiasm by loyal patrons.

Despite its resilience, Olive Garden did lose its seven-year streak as the nation’s top restaurant chain, according to industry rankings. Still, Darden executives have expressed confidence in Olive Garden’s long-term outlook. The contrast between Bahama Breeze’s struggles and Olive Garden’s stability underscores the volatility of the current restaurant landscape.

Critics Question Darden’s Strategy

Not everyone agrees with Darden’s approach to the Bahama Breeze closures. Some critics argue that the company’s decision to shut down so many locations at once risks damaging the brand’s reputation and alienating loyal customers. Others point out that the closures disproportionately affected workers and communities who depended on the restaurants for jobs and social gathering spaces.

Restaurant industry observers note that Darden’s strategy is not unique. Many chains are choosing to close stores rather than face the financial and reputational fallout of bankruptcy filings. Still, some believe that more could have been done to save struggling locations or to provide workers with greater notice and support.

Darden maintains that the closures are necessary for the long-term health of the chain. The company insists that focusing on the highest-performing restaurants will ultimately result in a stronger brand.

Abrupt Closures Affect Hundreds of Workers

Bahama Breeze, operated by Darden Restaurants and represented by spokesperson Kiara Buckner, has closed 15 locations in states including Florida, New Jersey, and Massachusetts after a 7.7 percent drop in sales. Hundreds of workers were laid off, and while some have been offered jobs at other Darden brands, others have only received severance.

Darden’s approach highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the restaurant industry, including inflation and changing consumer habits that are putting pressure on casual dining. The company plans to focus on its most successful brands but hasn't ruled out the possibility of more closures. With only 29 Bahama Breeze locations remaining, the future of the chain and its employees is uncertain as Darden and other restaurant operators adjust to difficult economic conditions.