MIAMI – Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain Bahama Breeze abruptly shut down 15 locations nationwide and two are in South Florida, according to USA Today.
A list obtained by the publication shows that the Bahama Breeze at 2750 Sawgrass Mills Circle in Sunrise and the location at 3339 N. Federal Highway in Oakland Park were shut down.
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“Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests,” a spokesperson for parent company Darden Restaurants told USA Today. “However, we believe this is the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the brand’s overall performance.”
An expert tells CNN that the closures underscore the “tough times casual dining restaurants are facing” as disposable income shrinks due to inflation.
Bahama Breeze, founded in Orlando in 1996, is down to 29 restaurants.
The chain’s locations at 11000 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines and 12395 SW 88th St. in Miami-Dade’s Kendale Lakes area remained open as of Saturday, according to its website.