Rock On! Australia joins the Café crowd
SYDNEY – Hard Rock Café is back in Australia with plans to develop outlets across major capital cities.
Sydney company Goddings has signed a long-term agreement to partner with Hard Rock to develop franchise Hard Rock Cafe locations in Australia.
The company will focus on opening Hard Rock Cafes in prime positions and key cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Perth.
Previous Hard Rock Cafes in Melbourne and Sydney, which closed in 2007, will re-open in more strategic locations under the new franchise.
Lennie Huntly, director of Goddings and former general manager of Hard Rock Cafe Sydney, said together with business partner, David Rich, the intention was to build and re-position the Hard Rock brand through a strong alignment and support for ‘live’ Australian music.
“We believe the local market will embrace the revitalised Hard Rock concept.â€
Huntly said he company-owned locations and many of the franchise cafes worldwide have been re-invigorated and re-styled, “many adopting the new-look Hard Rock, which will appear in the Australian expansion.
Initial plans include a Sydney Hard Rock Cafe to open in 12-18 months, Goddings is looking for suitable venues in all states.
HARD FACTS: There are 123 Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 48 countries,
Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia.
Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012.
Ian Jarrett
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