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NewsFlorida DailyAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough

Darden Restaurants reports record sales while phasing out Bahama Breeze brand

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants is reporting record sales figures while continuing its strategic plan to phase out the Bahama Breeze restaurant brand. The company currently operates over 2,100 locations nationwide, including 56 in the Metro Orlando area.

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Why It Matters

Darden is a major regional employer and the second-largest in Central Florida, making its financial performance and brand strategy significant to the local economy.

Key Facts

  • Darden Restaurants is reporting record sales.
  • The company is in the process of phasing out the Bahama Breeze brand.
  • Darden operates more than 2,100 restaurants across the United States.
  • There are 56 Darden-operated restaurants located in Metro Orlando.
  • Darden is identified as Central Florida's second-largest publicly traded company.

Who's Mentioned

other1,000“Number of employees expected to be affected by Bahama Breeze changes”other2,100“Number of restaurants operated by Darden nationwide”organizationDarden Restaurants“Orlando-based restaurant group”organizationBahama Breeze“Restaurant brand currently being phased out by Darden”other15“Number of Bahama Breeze locations closed in 2025”other207,000“Total number of Darden employees”other56“Number of Darden restaurants in Metro Orlando”personRick Cardenas“CEO of Darden Restaurants”locationMetro Orlando“Primary region of operation for Darden”personKevin Murphy“Professor at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management”