Bahama Breeze Restaurant Closes in Las Vegas

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Bahama Breeze restaurant in Las Vegas closed its doors permanently, indicating changes in the restaurant industry.

News Summary

Bahama Breeze has permanently closed its Las Vegas location as part of a wider closure of 15 restaurants by parent company Darden Restaurants. The decision is aimed at realigning business strategy and focusing on higher-performing locations. The closure impacts employees and customers, with Darden supporting staff through transfers or severance packages. This trend is influenced by changing consumer habits and economic pressures post-pandemic, reflecting broader challenges in the restaurant industry.

Las Vegas – The popular Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Bahama Breeze has permanently closed its location in Las Vegas as of May 15, 2023. The restaurant, situated at 375 Hughes Center Drive, was known for its vibrant tropical drinks and Caribbean cuisine, appealing to locals and tourists alike.

This closure is part of a larger decision by Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, which has announced a total of 15 restaurant closures across six states. The affected states include Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Tennessee. The closures reflect a significant business strategy aimed at realigning operational focus on the highest performing outlets within the brand.

Darden’s leadership described the decision to shutter these locations, including the Las Vegas restaurant, as a difficult yet necessary choice made after considerable thought. The company’s priority is to enhance overall brand performance by concentrating resources on areas that yield the best results.

The impacts of these closures extend beyond just the physical locations, affecting a significant number of team members and guests. Darden is committed to supporting Bahama Breeze employees by facilitating transfers to nearby Darden operations where possible. For those employees who are unable or unwilling to relocate, the company will provide severance packages to assist during this transition.

The decision to close these Bahama Breeze restaurants is aligned with broader changes in consumer habits and economic pressures, including increasing operational costs and shifts in foot traffic following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many restaurants are finding it challenging to maintain profitability in the ever-evolving market landscape, necessitating tough decisions about where to allocate resources.

Signs were placed outside the closed Bahama Breeze locations, informing customers of the closures and directing them to other Darden-owned restaurants in the vicinity, such as Olive Garden and Yard House. This move reflects Darden’s strategy to retain its customer base by encouraging visits to other brands within its portfolio after the loss of Bahama Breeze.

Bahama Breeze has been a staple in casual dining since its launch in 1996, gaining a reputation for its Caribbean-inspired atmosphere and menu offerings. The restaurant chain has developed a loyal following over the years, known for providing a lively dining experience featuring dishes like jerk chicken and seafood paella, alongside its renowned tropical cocktails.

As of March 20, 2025, Darden was operating 43 Bahama Breeze locations, though it has not indicated whether any further closures might be on the horizon. The current strategy appears focused on stabilizing and improving performance at existing locations, as the restaurant industry continues to navigate a challenging recovery period.

While this news represents a significant change for Bahama Breeze fans and employees, it illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by businesses in today’s economic climate. Darden’s decision is part of a larger trend in the restaurant industry to adapt and thrive in an environment that continues to shift in response to consumer demands and global events.