Restaurant Chain To Close Or Rebrand 2 VA Locations

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain, is set to shutter or rebrand all locations, including two in Virginia, according to the Orlando-based Darden Restaurants.

Darden on Tuesday announced plans to close 14 Bahama Breeze locations and convert its remaining 14 locations to the company’s other restaurant brands.

Darden’s portfolio includes 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.”

Among the restaurants set to close, which will operate through April 5, is the location at 2714 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge.

The restaurants that will be converted to a yet-to-be announced Darden brand over the next year to 18 months include a Virginia site at 4554 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach.

These locations will stay open until any temporary closures are needed for rebranding.

“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said