Some places aren’t just restaurants — they become part of a community’s story. For many New Jersey families, friends, coworkers, and couples, Bahama Breeze was that kind of place.
Known for its tropical drinks, island-inspired ambiance, and upbeat Caribbean flavors, Bahama Breeze wasn’t just about food — it was about escape. A warm breeze in the middle of winter. A rum punch after a hard week. A place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or just Friday night.
But as of May 15, 2024, that experience is gone for many.
In an unexpected decision, Darden Restaurants — the parent company of Bahama Breeze — permanently closed 15 locations across eight U.S. states, including four in New Jersey. The news came without warning, leaving fans shocked and disappointed.
A Sudden Farewell: Which New Jersey Locations Closed?
The four shuttered New Jersey locations include:
- Paramus – 1600 Bergen Town Center
- Wayne – 101 NJ-23
- Toms River – 1201 Hooper Avenue
- Woodbridge – 520 Woodbridge Center Drive
These closures leave just one Bahama Breeze location open in the state, at the Cherry Hill Mall.
The decision was part of a larger corporate strategy, with Darden Restaurants telling USA Today:
“We continually evaluate the performance of all our restaurants. Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests. 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.”
— Kiara Buckner, Darden Spokesperson
A Taste of the Tropics — Right in Our Backyard
Bahama Breeze opened its doors in New Jersey nearly two decades ago, bringing with it a unique concept: island-inspired cuisine and cocktails served in a resort-like setting. The concept was fresh, fun, and inviting. With menu highlights like Jamaican jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, cuban black bean soup, and banana nut bread dessert, the restaurant quickly became a local favorite.
Its signature Pineapple-Coconut Martini and Legendary Island Mojito weren’t just drinks — they were a vacation in a glass.
And the ambiance? Wood paneling, palm trees, colorful murals, reggae music — it all worked to transport guests away from mall parking lots and highway exits, straight to a Caribbean escape.
Community Reactions: Nostalgia and Surprise
For many New Jersey residents, the closures felt personal. Social media quickly filled with tributes and disbelief.
“Bahama Breeze in Toms River was my go-to spot. First date, baby shower, retirement dinner — we did it all there. This one hurts.”
— @jerseygrl_eats via Instagram
“It was the only place where I could pretend I was in the islands after work. I don’t think anything will replace that vibe.”
— Facebook comment, Woodbridge community group
Toms River in Transition
The closure of Bahama Breeze in Toms River highlights a bigger trend. The town has seen a wave of high-profile restaurant exits in recent months:
- In February, On The Border Mexican Grill shut its doors at Ocean County Mall.
- That same month, TGI Fridays on Hooper Avenue closed after years of service.
- In spring 2024, Red Lobster, also once owned by Darden, permanently closed its Toms River location.
For many longtime residents, the rapid exits are a sign of changing times — and changing economics — in the restaurant industry.
What’s Next for These Locations?
As of now, no official announcements have been made about what businesses may take over the now-empty Bahama Breeze spaces. Given their prime mall and highway-adjacent locations, they’re likely to draw interest — but it’s unclear if anything with a similar vibe or concept will replace them.
So for now, the lights are off, the music is gone, and the island magic has faded — at least from Paramus, Toms River, Wayne, and Woodbridge.
Thank You, Bahama Breeze
To the servers who brought out piña coladas with a smile, the chefs who grilled jerk chicken to perfection, and the hosts who greeted us with island warmth — thank you.
For New Jerseyans, Bahama Breeze wasn’t just a place to eat. It was a place to connect, celebrate, and occasionally, escape.
While we may still have Cherry Hill, for many of us, the memories live in the places now left behind.
Your Turn: Did You Have a Favorite Bahama Breeze Memory?
Did you celebrate a birthday, engagement, or just a relaxing dinner at Bahama Breeze? What dish will you miss the most?
Share your memories in the comments — and let’s raise one last rum punch to the good times.
“This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.“
