New Hard Rock Cafe to open in October

By Gregor Stuart Hunter  www.thenational.ae

When the Hard Rock Cafe closed in Dubai last year, many considered it the end of an era.

The old restaurant was closed in Dubai last year. Amy Leang / The National

But the music-themed restaurant is to be reborn, with a 118-foot guitar towering over the front door.

The 26,400 square foot restaurant is to open in October at the Festival Centre in Dubai Festival City.

The owners have also submitted their immense guitar to Guinness World Records.

“We cannot wait to return to Dubai,” said Oliver Munday, Hard Rock International’s vice president of franchise operations and development.

“This market is famous for being a global commerce capital with a vibrant entertainment scene.

“Our investment in the UAE is indicative of our commitment to making Hard Rock Cafe an integral part of the continuing evolution of Dubai.”

When the original Dubai Hard Rock Cafe was built, it was the last point on Sheikh Zayed Road before the desert began.

The rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry performed at the opening in 1997.

Back then it was the largest building in sight. As Dubai’s many towers rose around it, the restaurant became a favourite hang-out for celebrities and off-duty US military personnel. Today the building is hemmed in by the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Media City.

The cafe survived for 12 years until it fell foul of alcohol laws. It had shared a liquor licence with the adjacent Palm Hotel, but the permit was withdrawn after the hotel closed.

The cafe was sold to a developer and, in spite of a Facebook campaign that gathered 10,062 followers, it finally closed in March last year.

One fan wrote on the site: “I’m proud to have been part of [the Hard Rock Cafe] since Dec 1997 – it’s got a great atmosphere and very nice live entertainment, and most importantly, there are very friendly people out there.”

The old cafe, in the shape of a miniature Empire State Building, will be knocked down and replaced with a pair of high-rise apartment blocks.

The new Hard Rock Cafe will be the largest member of the chain outside North America, with space for 300 guests.

Philip Evans, director of commercial and retail leasing at Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, welcomed Hard Rock’s comeback.

“As a part of our measured expansion plans to differentiate ourselves, we are delighted to welcome Hard Rock Cafe, marking a milestone for Dubai Festival City’s extended food and beverage offering, Mr Evans said.

“Hard Rock Cafe will offer fans, Festival Centre guests, as well as DFC residents a unique venue to enjoy the finest cuisine and drinks in an exciting American rock and roll ambience.”

The restaurant chain has 168 cafes and hotels around the world. A Hard Rock Cafe is scheduled to open in Abu Dhabi in 2013.

gregor.hunter@thenational.ae