Headline: Marlton Pike Loses a Longtime Spot — Bahama Breeze on Route 70 in Cherry Hill Closing as Darden Ends the Brand
If you drive Route 70 through Cherry Hill — the Marlton Pike strip that feeds traffic to and from I‑295 — you probably know the Bahama Breeze near the big shopping nodes. Now that familiar tropical-themed sit‑down restaurant is closing: Darden Restaurants has announced it is winding down the Bahama Breeze brand and will shutter the remaining locations, with some sites converted to other Darden concepts, according to local reports.
Why Cherry Hill readers should care
– Location and traffic: The Cherry Hill Bahama Breeze sits on Marlton Pike (Route 70), one of the borough’s busiest commercial corridors and a primary surface route for drivers getting on and off I‑295. When a large restaurant like this closes, it affects traffic patterns, evening foot traffic, and the flow of customers into neighboring storefronts.
– Jobs: Full‑service restaurants employ dozens of hourly workers. A closure like this means people in our town and county are suddenly looking for new openings — and nearby restaurants and retail may feel the hiring ripple.
– Real estate and redevelopment: Large, freestanding restaurant buildings with substantial parking are attractive to other national chains or for redevelopment. Darden says some Bahama Breeze sites will be converted to other brands; the rest will be available for new tenants. That could mean a new chain, a smaller local concept, or a reimagined mixed‑use project — all of which change the character of Marlton Pike and could prompt zoning or planning conversations in Cherry Hill.
What’s been reported
Local outlets picked up the story after Darden’s announcement. 42Freeway broke local coverage for the South Jersey locations, and larger regional sites (including NJ.com and Patch) have summarized Darden’s plans and the broader impacts. For readers who want the exact property layout and nearby intersections, Google Maps shows the restaurant’s position on Route 70 and how it sits relative to nearby shopping centers and the corridor that funnels traffic to I‑295.
Community reaction
On review platforms like Yelp, Bahama Breeze locations typically drew patrons for their island‑style cocktails, outdoor seating areas, and family‑friendly menus — with the Cherry Hill spot earning many loyal diners over the years. That mix of nostalgia and convenience means residents and regulars will likely be disappointed to see the brand go. At the same time, nearby restaurants and Poke/Burger concepts might see new customers and job candidates as people re‑route their after‑work and weekend plans.
What could happen next on Marlton Pike
– Conversion: Darden has noted some Bahama Breeze locations will convert to other Darden brands. If that happens on Route 70, expect minor renovations but continued restaurant use that keeps people coming to the corridor.
– New tenants or redevelopment: If the site becomes available, property owners and Cherry Hill planners will weigh proposals. Marlton Pike has seen both chain turnover and new local concepts in recent years; this could be another chance for a change that reshapes the strip.
– Traffic and parking changes: Depending on the new tenant, traffic volume and parking needs may increase or decrease — something the borough’s planning office and the county DOT will monitor because the corridor is a feeder for I‑295 traffic.
How to stay informed and get involved
– Watch local reporting from NJ.com, Patch, and South Jersey outlets for specifics about timelines and any announced conversions. 42Freeway’s local piece was among the first to note the Cherry Hill closure.
– Check Google Maps for the exact property and nearby intersections if you’re planning detours or job searches.
– If you have memories, photos, or work leads for displaced employees, share them with local Facebook community groups or email the Cherry Hill Patch — these stories matter to neighbors and help people stay connected.
– Keep an eye on Cherry Hill Planning Board agendas. Any redevelopment proposal for a prominent Marlton Pike site will go through public review.
Bottom line
This isn’t just about one restaurant shutting its doors. It’s about a visible piece of Marlton Pike’s commercial fabric changing at a time when dining habits and real estate trends are reshaping our town centers. For commuters and residents who use I‑295 to get in and out of Cherry Hill, that change will be visible from the exit ramps and in the parking lots. We’ll be watching what replaces Bahama Breeze and what it means for jobs, traffic, and the future look of Marlton Pike.
If you’ve worked at or loved the Cherry Hill Bahama Breeze, or you have leads on new tenants, send them our way — we’ll keep this page updated as details and redevelopment plans emerge.
