Bahama Breeze shuts down at Smith Haven Mall, its only Long Island location

Bahama Breeze at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove has closed permanently, marking the end of the Caribbean-themed chain’s presence on Long Island.

The restaurant closure — confirmed Thursday by the restaurant’s Google listing, which now states the location is “permanently closed” — follows a wave of reported shutdowns of Bahama Breeze locations across the country this week. News outlets in cities such as Memphis; Las Vegas; and Naples, Florida, have similarly reported closures of the once-popular chain.

Bahama Breeze restaurants, owned by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, is known for its laid-back, tropical atmosphere, island-inspired menu, and colorful cocktails.

The Smith Haven Mall location had been a fixture on the property’s Ring Road for more than a decade, offering visitors a beachy diversion from the suburban routine.

As of Thursday, Darden Restaurants, which operates more than 2,100 restaurants, including Olive Garden and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, had not issued a public statement regarding the closures.

The nearest remaining Bahama Breeze locations are in New Jersey.

_{Top photo: Google Maps}