Future of this popular chain restaurant is in limbo

The era of Bahama Breeze may come to an end soon.

Late last week, Rick Cardenas, the CEO of Darden, the parent company of Bahama Breeze, told investors that the company will be considering strategic alternatives” for Bahamas Breeze, such as selling the chain or “converting restaurants to other Darden brands,” reports Fox News.

In May, Darden closed 15 Bahama Breeze restaurants. A spokesperson for Bahama Breeze told USA Today the shutdowns occurred in multiple states, including Florida, Illinois, Tennessee and Nevada. CNN reported the closures represent more than a third of Bahama Breeze’s current locations.

In a statement to USA Today, spokesperson Kiara Buckner said closures of the Darden-owned chain come after evaluations of restaurant performance across the country.

The Caribbean-themed chain has just 29 restaurants remaining nationwide.

According to Fox News, Cardenas said Darden has decided that Bahama Breeze’s remaining 28 restaurants and its brand are no longer a “strategic priority.”

“We also believe that this brand and these restaurants have the potential to benefit from a new owner,” Cardenas said.