10 Things You Never Knew About Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Just about all sit-down chain restaurants have a goal of transporting you to some far-flung locale, be it the South or Tuscany. But few succeed more than Bahama Breeze Island Grille, which through décor, food, and drink sets its customers' watches to "island time." Read on for 10 things you didn't know about this popular chain.
It Didn’t Start as a Privately Owned Restaurant
Most chain restaurants get their start as a single, independent restaurant before success either allows the founders to open more locations or it catches the eye of a group of investors who then expand it out. But, similar to Olive Garden, it was 100 percent the brainchild of Darden Restaurant Group, who opened the first location as a proof of concept.
Cocktails Are Made With Fresh-Squeezed Juices and Pressed Sugarcane
The chain puts a lot of care into its cocktails, as you might expect.
The Menu Tells You Cocktails’ Origin Stories
The "Legendary Island" section of its cocktail list has five cocktails that are certifiably legendary, including the Dark 'n Stormy, the Zombie, and the Painkiller. Each of these cocktails contains a little note about the place of its creation; for example, the Painkiller was created at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands.
It Has Live Music Nightly
Nightly entertainment is provided at every location by a live band that plays reggae and classic Caribbean music.
All Surplus Food is Donated to Charitable Organizations
After the restaurant closes down for the night, employees package and freeze unserved surplus food, which is donated to local shelters, food banks, and other charitable organizations. Since 2003, the chain has donated more than 400,000 pounds of food.
You Can E-Mail Gift Cards With a Photo and Voice Message
If you decide to send a gift card via email instead of purchasing a plastic card, you can have the option of sending it along with a photo of yourself and a personalized voice message.
There’s a Great Happy Hour
The exact time for happy hour varies from location to location, but it's always a good deal. At most locations, it's on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and from Sunday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to close; 14-ounce beers cost $3, 20-ounce and bottled beers cost $4, wines by the glass and well drinks cost $4, specialty drinks cost $5, and a selection of more than a dozen appetizers are half-price.
eClub members Get Exclusive Benefits
If you join the Bahama Breeze Club, you'll get news about new menus and beverages, invitations to exclusive events, the ability to enter sweepstakes, recipes, and more surprises.
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They Cater
If you want to bring some island flare to your party, the restaurant offers catering, like many of Darden's other restaurants.. A wide selection of dishes are available in portions that feed eight to 10 people, and when you pick up your order they'll throw in serving utensils, disposable plates, and silverware.
It’s an Affordable Lunch Option
The chain offers lunch 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; lunch combos are served with salad and soup and range in price from $7.49 to $9.99. It's certainly a good place to while away some time on your day off, or to visit on your lunch break if you think you can resist the temptation of having too many cocktails!