Hard Rock International Opens First Location In Guatemala

Hard Rock Cafe Opens In The Heart of Guatemala City

Guatemala City, Guatemala, January 2, 2013 – Hard Rock is continuing to spread the message of rock around the globe, and now the famous brand rocks its way to Guatemala!  Hard Rock International today announced the opening of the first Hard Rock Cafe location in Guatemala in the heart of the country’s capital of Guatemala City.  Located in Zone 10, 1st Avenue and 13th Street in the new Dubai Center, Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City will undoubtedly be a must-see for both visitors and locals.

The 1,200-square-meter cafe includes seating for 320, an upscale contemporary bar, live concert space that will feature Guatemala City’s unique local music scene, an outdoor terrace and Rock Shop.  Memorabilia from Hard Rock’s iconic collection adorns the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City, including items from legendary and contemporary musicians from around the world.

Guests will be able to see a custom nylon tour jacket given by Elvis Presley to his then-girlfriend, Ginger Alden, who has gone down in music history as the misfortunate one to discover The King had passed away in his Graceland home. The cafe’s collection also includes the pants worn by Shakira during her 2010-2011 “Sale El Sol” tour, which was in support of her seventh album that she described as going back to her brand of global Latin/rock fusion roots. Also on display is an outfit worn onstage by late drummer Eric Carr of KISS who tragically passed away in 1991 due to cancer. Other key memorabilia items featured include: Madonna’s biker jacket; an outfit worn by will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas; a left-handed Cordoba classical guitar played by Andre Reyes of Flamenco-pop group Gipsy Kings; an Alvarez Yairi acoustic guitar played by Graham Nash; and much more. [more]

Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City will also feature an authentic design, which will incorporate Guatemalan culture while keeping with the spirit of the Hard Rock brand.  Guests will experience a unique design scheme inspired by colors and elements from the land, such as volcanoes, fire, kites and marimba.

Guatemala City boasts a rich history and vibrant culture, combined with an exciting nightlife, which makes the area a perfect fit for the world-famous Hard Rock brand,” said Tom Perez, Senior Franchise Director of Operations, Americas, Hard Rock International.  “We are truly excited to open our first Hard Rock location in Guatemala with our franchise partner Modelo Overseas, Inc., and can’t wait to share the Hard Rock experience with Guatemala City locals and visitors.

Guests of Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City can enjoy fresh, high-quality items from Hard Rock’s scratch-based menu, including the favorite Legendary Experience menu, featuring a mouth-watering selection of 10-ounce Legendary Burgers. Hard Rock’s Smokehouse Menu uses the very best Hickory wood chips to slowly cook its ribs, chicken and pork to juicy, tender perfection. In addition to its food, Hard Rock Cafe’s extensive, award-winning drinks menu includes Hurricanes, Margaritas, signature favorites and Alternative Rock (alcohol-free) beverages, all available in Hard Rock souvenir collectible glassware. Hard Rock’s cocktails are handcrafted, just like its cuisine, and as authentic as the memorabilia on the walls. 

The Guatemala City cafe’s Rock Shop offers rock ‘n’ roll-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location.  This Guatemala City-specific merchandise can only be purchased at this location, which offers an exclusive design quality that enhances each item’s appeal. Fans can also acquire Hard Rock’s much-coveted signature pins.

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world, and Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City carries this causal commitment to its market.  In every Hard Rock city, the staff makes it a priority to become a valuable community partner.  In the form of funds, food and beverage, merchandise and man hours, Hard Rock Cafe Guatemala City will give back locally, as well as participate in global corporate philanthropic initiatives, ranging from breast cancer awareness programs, to rock icons’ favorite causes through the annual Signature Series T-shirt program.

For updates and further information, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 181 venues in 58 countries, including 142 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. 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. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands.  The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai.  HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the companies’ two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida., as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Melaka and San Jose. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH.  For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com, www.hardrockhotels.com, or www.facebook.com/hardrock.