Hard Rock plans ‘significant' number of European outlets

Hard Rock International, the restaurant and hotel operator, has unveiled plans to open a "significant" number of new European outlets in the next three years.

The company, owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, currently has 127 Hard Rock Cafés in 48 countries and is looking to expand into areas such as Milan and Florence in Italy and Hamburg in Germany.

It has signed up property agent Cushman & Wakefield to acquire premises for the European expansion and to advise on the relocation of existing Hard Rock Cafés in cities including Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin.

Cushman & Wakefield said it is primarily looking at high-profile destinations, but will also investigate smaller areas depending on the location and opportunity.

Hard Rock Hotels are currently located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali.

Additional hotel projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both of which are scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in 2010; and Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011.

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By Gemma Sharkey

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