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Casual dining chain Bahama Breeze abruptly shut 15 restaurants nationwide this week – including four in New Jersey.

According to a spokesperson for the Darden Restaurants-owned brand, the following locations closed May 15:

• Paramus
• Toms River
• Wayne
• Woodbridge

Closures also occurred in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York and Tennessee.

A filing with the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development shows that 327 workers in New Jersey were let go, effective May 15.

In a statement, Bahama Breeze said, “Closing these restaurants is a difficult business decision, and one that we made carefully and thoughtfully, particularly because it impacts our team members and guests.” The chain also said it believes the move will allow it to focus on the highest-performing restaurants and strengthen the brand’s overall position.

Bahama Breeze pledged to do whatever it could “to place as many impacted team members as possible at nearby Darden brands.”

The Orlando, Fla.-headquartered group’s portfolio includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

And then there was one

Founded in 1996, Bahama Breeze is known for its Caribbean-inspired food and tropical cocktails.

Following this week’s spate of closures, the chain has just 29 restaurants remaining.

Within New Jersey, its footprint is down to one outpost – Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill.

As consumers shift away from legacy casual dining brands, a number of chains are struggling to survive. Within the past year, TGI Fridays, Red Lobster and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina have filed Chapter 11 petitions.

According to CNN, Bahama Breeze recorded $246.7 million in U.S. sales last year, down 7.7% from 2023.