Jacksonville, February 4, 2026
Darden Restaurants has announced the permanent closure of its Bahama Breeze location at St. Johns Town Center in Jacksonville, effective April 5, 2026. This decision is part of a larger strategy to discontinue the Bahama Breeze brand, which has been deemed no longer a strategic priority. The closures will affect 14 locations nationwide, while the remaining will be transitioned into other Darden brands. The move significantly impacts the local dining landscape and raises questions about future culinary opportunities in Jacksonville.
Darden Restaurants to Close Bahama Breeze Location in Jacksonville
A significant shift in local dining as Bahama Breeze departs St. Johns Town Center
Jacksonville, Florida – The dining landscape in Jacksonville will see a notable change as Darden Restaurants, Inc. has announced the permanent closure of its Bahama Breeze location at 10205 Rivercoast Drive, effective April 5, 2026. This decision is part of a broader strategy to discontinue the Bahama Breeze brand, which has been identified as no longer a strategic priority for the company. Opened in 2000, the Jacksonville restaurant is one of 14 Bahama Breeze venues slated for closure, while the remaining 14 will be transitioned into other Darden brands within the next 12 to 18 months.
Darden Restaurants has a diverse portfolio encompassing successful names such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Even amid closures, the company has expressed its commitment to its team members affected by this change, working diligently to place as many of them as possible into roles within its other restaurant concepts. Such actions highlight a commitment to community and workforce support while navigating a challenging business environment.
Impact on Jacksonville’s St. Johns Town Center
The closure of the Bahama Breeze at St. Johns Town Center marks a substantial shift in the Jacksonville dining scene. Known for its Caribbean-inspired dishes and tropical ambiance, the restaurant has been a cornerstone of the local dining experience since its inception. Its departure creates a notable gap for both loyal patrons and the broader market looking for unique culinary offerings. The management of St. Johns Town Center will undoubtedly work to attract new tenants to replace the outgoing restaurant, showcasing the area’s adaptability to shifting consumer demands.
The closure of this celebrated dining spot raises pertinent questions concerning the future of dining in the region. Will the loss of Bahama Breeze lead to opportunities for new, innovative culinary ventures, or could it signal challenges for the existing restaurant landscape? These changing dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping future business opportunities in Jacksonville.
Background on Bahama Breeze’s Closure
Bahama Breeze made its debut in Orlando, Florida, in 1996 and was a trailblazer in introducing Caribbean cuisine to America’s casual dining market. At its peak, the chain boasted 43 locations nationwide. However, a strategic review initiated by Darden Restaurants in May 2025 resulted in the closure of 15 underperforming Bahama Breeze venues, leaving 28 in operation. Ultimately, the evaluation led to the conclusion that the Bahama Breeze brand did not align with the growth trajectory and financial goals set by Darden, prompting the decision to cease operations for the 14 closing locations and transition the remaining into different restaurant concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the status of the Bahama Breeze restaurant at St. Johns Town Center?
The Bahama Breeze restaurant at 10205 Rivercoast Drive in Jacksonville, Florida, is scheduled to permanently close on April 5, 2026.
What will happen to the other Bahama Breeze locations?
Of the remaining 28 Bahama Breeze locations, 14 will be permanently closed, and the other 14 will be converted into other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months. Specific details regarding the new brand assignments for these converted locations have not been disclosed.
What is Darden Restaurants’ plan for the affected employees?
Darden Restaurants has emphasized its commitment to supporting affected team members, aiming to place as many as possible in roles within its broader restaurant portfolio.
Why is Darden Restaurants discontinuing the Bahama Breeze brand?
Darden Restaurants conducted a strategic review and concluded that the Bahama Breeze brand no longer met the company’s criteria for growth and impact on financial performance. As a result, the brand is being discontinued.
Key Features of the Bahama Breeze Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | April 5, 2026 |
| Location | 10205 Rivercoast Drive, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Number of Locations Affected | 28 Bahama Breeze locations nationwide |
| Conversion Plan | 14 locations to be converted into other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months |
| Employee Support | Efforts to place affected team members in roles within Darden’s broader restaurant portfolio |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
