Metro Detroit Caribbean-Themed Restaurant Chain To Close

Michigan's last Bahama Breeze will close as the popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain plans to shutter or rebrand its remaining restaurants, Darden Restaurants, owner of the Bahama Breeze chain said in a news release.

The Livonia location is one of 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants across the nation planned to close. Another 14 locations will be converted into the company’s other restaurant brands.

The 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants set to close will operate through April 5. Converting the other 14 locations to other brands will happen over the next 12 to 18 months

Last May, the company abruptly closed its Troy location.

Bahama Breeze is best known for its seafood dishes, including coconut shrimp, mahi mahi and seafood paella. Beef empanadas and whole Jamaican jerk wings are also popular menu items.

Other brands in Darden’s portfolio 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, according to the company’s website.

The decision came after the company determined that the Bahama Breeze brand, including all 28 of its 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.”

Other Bahama Breeze closures or rebranding includes locations in Delaware, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington.