In recent months, however, we've seen an abundance of new establishments that take their themes to new levels. To keep that feeling alive, many of these places even have gift shops. Shakey's never thought of that. Since May, Bahama Breeze has been wafting the scent of grilled seafood across the busy intersection of Germantown Parkway and Stage Road. The establishment, owned by Orlando, Florida-based Darden Restaurants, operators of Red Lobster and The Olive Garden, is designed to resemble a tranquil Caribbean resort.
Palm trees frame the entrance.
Inside, diners eat beneath a vaulted corrugated-steel ceiling, held up by a brace of massive wooden beams. Some tables sit beneath thatched umbrellas, painted murals abound, and a large aquarium stands alongside one walkway. Diners can't miss the gift shop by the front door. Bahama Breeze, which serves dinner only, currently has four locations - two in Orlando, one in Memphis, and one in Tampa that opened in November. Outside, Joe's resembles an old fishing shack, with green and white awnings, wooden piers jutting through a rusty corrugated-steel ceiling, and fishing nets hanging everywhere.