Bahama Breeze skips town

May 2, 2007
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The popular island-themed restaurant along East 96th Street closed Friday, bb_logo_0324061.jpgsurprising many customers. A spokesman for Orlando-based Darden Restaurants said the company closed 9 restaurants that weren't in the best locations or performing as well as expected, and Indianapolis was among them. The closure leaves central Indiana without a Bahama Breeze. Darden also owns Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Rocky River Grillhouse, which recently replaced Smokey Bones in front of Castleton Square Mall.
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  • BradshawMay 2, 2007 2:41 PM
    I'm guessing that Cheeseburger in Paradise really cut into their market share. Too bad ... that's one less place for foo-foo drinks.
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  • MikeMay 2, 2007 3:00 PM
    Yeah my buddy works there and went to work and it was closed. I really don't like how restaraunts can just close and say to their employees THAT day that your SOL - go find a new job. That place was always busy though, can't believe they call that a bad location with Scotty's, Claddagh, and Eddie Merlots all doing well there.
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  • GigiMay 2, 2007 3:26 PM
    They similarly shut down their location just north of Cincy.
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  • KathyMay 2, 2007 7:50 PM
    What generic chain will Indy get to replace Bahama Breeze? Any guesses?
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  • braingirlMay 3, 2007 7:13 AM
    It's a sad day on the northside when a *chain* can't even stay in business. That space won't be vacant long.
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  • DougMay 3, 2007 7:50 AM
    We were just in a couple of weeks ago and it was really pretty dead. The hostess was extremely rude. The food and our service were as always outstanding. As things like Clay Terrace take hold on the northside that strip of 96th is going to suffer. There will be other casualties.
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  • PaulMay 3, 2007 1:35 PM
    My guess for the generic chain would be another Texas Roadhouse (like we need one another steakhouse!) :(
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  • SarahMay 3, 2007 1:44 PM
    This is traumatizing to me. Although a chain, they had some of the most unique dishes, fresh fish, best mojitos, and the most original and real key lime pie I've ever tasted in Indy. They will be missed!
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  • ToddMay 3, 2007 9:01 PM
    I'm sure Darden will put in one of their craptacular Red Lobsters or Oliver Gardens
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  • LillyMay 5, 2007 1:22 AM
    Watch .....tommorrow it will be Smokey Bones
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  • MarkMay 6, 2007 2:30 PM
    Lilly, Smokey Bones just went under as well, lol.
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  • SnoopDoggieMay 6, 2007 7:56 PM
    Maybe a Chuck E Cheese will replace it.
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  • HollyMay 6, 2007 7:56 PM
    Well, I was very surprised when we discovered the Smokey Bones in Castleton was no more. I've never been to Bahama Breeze, but I am surprised that it has gone out of business. That area is really a prime location for a restaurant. I just called the Smokey Bones in Greenwood and found out that they're not going out of business, so I'm happy. They have the best barbecue in Indianapolis. And don't even start me on their onion rings...
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