Hard Rock Cafe Opens In Heart Of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland, October 15, 2012 – From wowing crowds in London and shocking the masses in Paris, to entertaining fans in New York, Hard Rock International has taken the world by storm – and now the famous brand makes its debut in Finland! Hard Rock International today announced the opening of its first cafe location in the heart of Finland’s capital and bustling metropolis of Helsinki. Located in the epicenter of the city’s main shopping and dining district, the new Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki is poised to become a must-see for both visitors and locals.
The two-level, 489-square-meter cafe includes seating for 240, a vibrant bar and Rock Shop. Memorabilia from Hard Rock’s iconic collection adorns the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki, including items from legendary musicians from around the world, as well as today’s top contemporary artists. Key memorabilia items featured include: Michael Jackson’s “life mask” created for him during the production of the video for “Thriller”; boots worn by Gene Simmons of KISS during the band’s “Crazy Nights” tour; a striped Charvel guitar played by Eddie Van Halen; Bob Dylan’s harmonica and shirt; shorts and a bowler hat worn by Fergie of Black Eyed Peas; Rihanna’s tasseled shawl; a Vox Sidewinder bass played by The Who’s John Entwistle and much more.
“We are truly excited to bring the world-famous Hard Rock brand to the capital city of Helsinki, and are proud to open our first location within Finland, a country that is very important to our brand,” said Antonio Bautista, Senior Director – Europe, Middle East & Africa Franchise Operations & Development, Hard Rock International. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with The Nordic Franchise Group., and sharing the Hard Rock experience with Helsinki locals and visitors.”
Guests of Hard Rock Cafe Helsinki 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 Helsinki cafe’s Rock Shop offers rock ‘n’ roll-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location. This Helsinki-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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.
About Hard Rock International
With a total of 178 venues in 55 countries, including 139 cafes and 18 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, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Punta Cana, Panama, Cancun and Vallarta. Additional hotel and casino projects planned to open include Riviera Maya in 2013 and Abu Dhabi in 2014. Additional announced hotel and casino projects include Aruba, Hungary, Northfield Park, Shenzhen and Haikou. Hard Rock International 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 or www.facebook.com/hardrock.