NORTH CAROLINA — Darden Restaurants is shifting its strategy in the Tar Heel State. As part of a nationwide plan announced on February 3, 2026, to retire the Bahama Breeze brand, North Carolina’s two remaining locations are headed in very different directions. While one city prepares for a final goodbye, another is gearing up for a fresh start.
Permanent Closure in Raleigh
For fans of the tropical atmosphere on Wake Forest Drive, the news is final. The Raleigh location has been placed on the list of 14 sites nationwide that will close their doors forever this spring.
- Closing Date: April 5, 2026
- Location: 3309 Wake Forest Drive, Raleigh, NC
After years of serving as a go-to spot for Caribbean-inspired cocktails and live music, this location will not be rebranded by Darden and will officially cease operations in early April.
A New Concept for Fayetteville
In contrast, the Fayetteville location—which only recently opened in early 2024—has been identified as a high-value site. While the Bahama Breeze name will eventually be removed, the restaurant itself isn't going away. Instead, it is one of the select locations being converted into another brand within the Darden portfolio.
- Location: 570 Cross Creek Mall, Fayetteville, NC
- The Transition: This site will remain open and continue to serve customers as Bahama Breeze for the time being. The rebranding process into a new concept—such as Yard House, Olive Garden, or Ruth’s Chris Steak House—is expected to take place over the next 12 to 18 months. Temporary closures will only occur when remodeling begins later in the year.
Focusing on the Team
Darden Restaurants has emphasized that its primary goal during this transition is the well-being of its North Carolina staff. The company's support strategy includes:
- Internal Placement: Making every effort to place employees from the closing Raleigh site into new roles at other nearby Darden-owned brands like LongHorn Steakhouse or Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
- Job Continuity: In Fayetteville, the conversion allows most staff members the opportunity to remain with the location as it transitions to its new identity.
"The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio... the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members." — Darden Restaurants News Release
Final Call in Raleigh
Residents in the Triangle have until Sunday, April 5, 2026, to enjoy one last round of coconut shrimp and Bahamaritas at the Raleigh location. Meanwhile, Fayetteville diners can continue to enjoy the island vibes a while longer while they wait for news on which new Darden favorite will be moving into the Cross Creek Mall space.
