Washington’s only Bahama Breeze restaurant will permanently close April 5, marking the end of the Tukwila location that has operated near Westfield Southcenter Mall since 2003.
The closure is part of a broader move by parent company Darden Restaurants to shutter 28 Bahama Breeze restaurants nationwide. Of those locations, 14 will be converted into other restaurant concepts owned by Darden, which also operates Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden Restaurants said in a statement. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.”
The Tukwila restaurant reportedly employs 93 workers, according to the Washington Employment Security Department. It is not yet known how many employees will ultimately be affected. “It is not yet known exactly how many impacted team members there will be as the company is offering transfer opportunities to other locations,” the filing said. Positions at the Tukwila site include managers, servers, bartenders, and line cooks.
Bahama Breeze is known for its colorful island interior, rum cocktails, margaritas, and lively environment. The menu blends tropical Caribbean, Jamaican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other island-influenced dishes. Nearly 12 years ago, Darden sold Red Lobster to investment firm Golden Gate Capital in a $2.1 billion deal after becoming “increasingly unable to attract the higher-income customers Darden caters to with its more successful chains,” then-CEO Clarence Otis said.
The Tukwila closure leaves Washington without a Bahama Breeze location, though Darden operates numerous other restaurant concepts throughout the state. The decision reflects broader challenges facing casual dining chains as consumer preferences shift and restaurant companies consolidate around their most profitable brands.
