Darden Forecast: Bahama Breeze Closure Hits DRI Stock?

Darden moved to shut down and convert its Bahama Breeze footprint, and investors responded with a quick lift in DRI shares. Now the focus shifts to whether the restructuring stays immaterial, as management said, while the chart tests a key level.

Darden to Close and Convert Bahama Breeze Locations

Darden Restaurants said it will wind down the Bahama Breeze brand by closing 14 locations and converting the remaining 14 into other Darden concepts. The company confirmed the decision on Feb. 3, 2026, after reviewing strategic options for the chain.

The 14 locations set to close will continue operating through April 5, 2026. Darden said the conversions will take place over the next 12 to 18 months, depending on site conditions and permitting.

Bahama Breeze accounted for a small share of Darden’s total restaurant base. The company said the move will not materially change its financial results and will allow it to redeploy capital and management focus to larger brands.

Darden Cites Portfolio Focus After Brand Review

Darden said it completed a brand review and chose to exit Bahama Breeze after years of uneven performance. The company said it will shift resources to concepts with stronger scale and steadier returns.

The plan includes converting select sites into existing Darden formats where locations and local demand support a change. Darden said it will manage closures in phases to limit disruption to guests and operations.

Darden operates major casual dining brands across the U.S. The company said the Bahama Breeze decision follows its broader portfolio strategy and reflects a focus on operational discipline and long-term growth across core brands.

Darden Stock Jumps After Bahama Breeze Decision as Weekly Chart Retests Breakout Level

DRI rose after the Bahama Breeze update, ending the session up about 2.3% at $205.49. Then it pushed higher on Feb. 3 and held near the highs into Feb. 4, with premarket trading essentially flat around $205.50.

Darden Restaurants DRI Five Day Chart. Source: X

Meanwhile, it showed price action returning to a previously broken diagonal resistance line on the weekly chart shared by MarketMaestro. After clearing the trendline earlier in the rally, price pulled back and retested the same level, which now acts as a technical reference point. As a result, the market is assessing whether the prior breakout can hold.

The chart shows price stabilizing near the former resistance zone while trading near short-term moving averages. Meanwhile, momentum indicators on the weekly view began to turn higher from recent lows. This shift suggests selling pressure eased after the pullback.

If price holds above the reclaimed trendline, the structure supports continuation within the broader uptrend. However, failure to hold the retest would signal that the breakout lost strength and could delay further upside.