Several restaurant chains have announced closures in 2026, and some have confirmed shutdown dates specifically in April.
While Bahama Breeze publicly disclosed closure timelines for this month, others are planning reductions generally for this year with some of the closures likely to occur this month.
Why It Matters
Restaurant closures often ripple beyond individual locations, affecting local jobs, landlords and surrounding businesses.
April closures can also disrupt spring travel, seasonal hiring and tourism traffic, particularly in high‑traffic areas like Florida.
What To Know
The following restaurants have announced closures for April or springtime more generally:
- Bahama Breeze
- Wendy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Papa John’s
- Noodles & Company
Bahama Breeze, the Caribbean‑themed casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants, has announced it will permanently close 14 locations by early April.
According to Darden, the affected restaurants are expected to continue operating through April 5, after which they will shut down permanently.
The impacted restaurants are in:
- Newark, Delaware
- Duluth, Georgia
- Miami, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Kissimmee, Florida
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Sanford, Florida
- Livonia, Michigan
- Cherry Hill, New Jersey
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Woodbridge, Virginia
- Tukwila, Washington
Darden said its other 14 Bahama Breeze locations will not close immediately but are expected to be converted into other Darden brands over the next 12 to 18 months, rather than shutting down outright.
The other restaurants, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Noodles & Company, have announced hundreds of closures planned for this year, according to recent earnings calls. However, most of the companies have not released specific closure dates, with the shutdowns to occur more generally in the first half of 2026 or throughout the year.
Wendy’s previously said that 5 percent to 6 percent of its U.S. restaurants would close this year, or about 300 or more locations. In the fourth quarter last year, Wendy’s closed 28 units and the rest of the shutdowns are set to occur in the first half of this year.
Papa John’s similarly announced the impending closures of 300 restaurants by 2027, with 200 set for this year.
What People Are Saying
Darden Restaurants, in a statement: “The company has now determined that it will permanently close 14 Bahama Breeze restaurants and plans to convert the remaining 14 locations into another Darden brand. The company does not expect these actions to have a material impact on its financial results.”
Noodles & Company CEO and President Joseph Christina, during a November earnings call: “The closures removed restaurants with negative cash flow from our system and post-closure, we’re seeing nearby Noodles restaurants experience an increase in sales and profits.”
What Happens Next
More restaurant closures may still be announced with specific spring or summer dates as companies continue to report earnings and finalize their restructuring plans.
Casual‑dining chains have consistently faced pressure from high labor costs and rent increases as many consumers reel in spending.
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