Hard Rock Cafe to open on Hollywood Boulevard

Hard Rock International today announced it will open a Hard Rock Cafe in the vibrant Hollywood district of Los Angeles. Scheduled to open in 2010, Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles will be located on 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood and Highland Center. The Los Angeles cafe will be ideally situated among some of the country’s most famous and historic attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater. The 500-seat Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles will be one of the city’s premier dining and entertainment destinations, with a state-of-the-art facility encompassing more than 20,000-square feet of space, including spacious seating, a live concert area, a Rock Shop featuring Hard Rock’s limited-edition merchandise and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia from Hard Rock’s iconic collection.

Despite a turbulent economy, Hard Rock remains committed to opening new cafes in key domestic and international markets. Hard Rock International has a rich history in California, as the very first U.S. Hard Rock Cafe opened in Los Angeles’ Beverly Center in 1982 and remained until 2006. Hard Rock also has key locations in San Diego and San Francisco, as well as on Universal CityWalk, located approximately five miles away from the new Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles has always been an important market for Hard Rock International. We’ve been patiently searching for the perfect location for Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard and are excited to have finally found it,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. “Hard Rock’s vibe and atmosphere will be a perfect complement to this amazing area.”

“Los Angeles is the city where the world comes together; a place that’s alive both day and night, and I am thrilled that Hard Rock Cafe is now a part of the Hollywood and Highland district,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Bringing Hard Rock’s world-famous brand to a truly historic location in our city will create more jobs, opportunities for tourism and growth for the surrounding area."

"Hollywood welcomes Hard Rock Cafe!" said L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti. "In the last decade, Hollywood has really made a classic comeback – becoming a safer, more family-friendly place for visitors and residents alike. Nestled between the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater, Hard Rock Cafe will be a new, exciting destination for families from near and far."

For more than 37 years, Hard Rock Cafe has offered guests classic American fare in a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere. Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles will also feature a hardwood smoker, which uses the very best Hickory wood chips to slowly cook Hard Rock’s classic ribs, chicken and pork to perfection. Hard Rock’s Legendary Experience menu is just that – legendary – offering six different mouth-watering Legendary Burgers made from Certified Angus Beef. In addition to its food, Hard Rock offers unmatched specialty drinks from its award-winning bar menu, from Hurricanes and Margaritas, to its Alternative Rock non-alcoholic beverages including favorites like Wildberry Smoothies and Crushed Velvet “martinis.”

The Los Angeles cafe’s Rock Shop will offer both rock ‘n’ roll-inspired items, as well as classic collectible Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles merchandise. This Los Angeles-specific merchandise can only be purchased at this location, which offers an exclusive quality that enhances each item’s appeal. Fans will also be able to collect Hard Rock’s much-coveted signature pins, including the new, limited-edition Los Angeles pins, which reflect the spirit of the city and the authenticity of Hard Rock’s merchandise.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 150 venues in 52 countries, including 125 cafes and 9 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Singapore in 2010; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2011; Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.