Bahama Breeze Closes Troy Location Amid Nationwide Cuts

News Summary

Bahama Breeze has permanently closed its Troy restaurant as part of a strategy to shut down 15 locations nationwide due to performance evaluations. The Troy location, which employed 70 individuals, will provide employees with transfer opportunities and up to 60 days of wages following the closure. The decision reflects Darden Restaurants’ focus on maintaining high-performing establishments as they navigate shifting dining preferences and rising operational costs.

Troy, Michigan – Bahama Breeze Closes Location Amid Nationwide Cuts

Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants, has permanently closed its Troy location at 539 E. Big Beaver Road as of May 15, 2025. This closure is part of a broader strategy involving the shutdown of 15 restaurant locations across the United States due to performance evaluations.

As of May 9, 2025, the Troy location employed 70 individuals, although the specific number of job losses related to the closure has not been disclosed. Darden Restaurants is providing transfer opportunities for affected employees to other locations within the company. In compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, employees will receive up to 60 days of wages and benefits following the closure.

With the Troy location now closed, Bahama Breeze has only one remaining restaurant in Michigan, situated in Livonia at 19600 Haggerty Road. The company’s decision to eliminate underperforming locations aims to concentrate resources on establishments with higher performance metrics. Following this recent closure, 29 Bahama Breeze restaurants remain operational nationwide, with a notable concentration primarily in Florida.

Details of the Closures

The closures announced include five locations in Florida, four in New Jersey, and one each in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee. Darden Restaurants has not indicated whether further closures for Bahama Breeze are expected in the future, but the company continues to evaluate restaurant performances and address changes in consumer habits along with operational cost adjustments.

Background on Bahama Breeze and Darden Restaurants

Bahama Breeze is part of a portfolio managed by Darden Restaurants, which also owns additional popular chains such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and The Capital Grille. The decision to close the Troy restaurant was made after comprehensive analysis and careful consideration by Darden’s management team, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to streamlining operations and enhancing profitability.

As signs now indicate a permanent closure for the Troy location, customers are being advised to visit other Darden-owned restaurants in the area. The socioeconomic factors contributing to these closures include shifts in dining preferences and increased operational expenditures that have affected restaurants nationally.

Conclusion

The closure of Bahama Breeze in Troy underscores the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in a rapidly evolving market environment. As brands adjust to new norms and consumer behavior, the focus on higher-performing locations will likely remain a priority for Darden Restaurants and its subsidiaries.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bahama Breeze
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