Hard Rock Cafe Budapest Now Open in Vörösmarty Square

Budapest, Hungary, December 14, 2011 – They have wowed crowds in London, shocked the masses in Paris and entertained fans in New York – now Hard Rock Cafe makes its debut in Hungary! Hard Rock International today announced the opening of its first cafe location in the heart of Hungary’s capital and bustling metropolis.  Hard Rock Cafe Budapest is located at the corner of Vörösmarty Square and Váci Street. Located in the epicenter of the city’s most famous shopping and business district, the new Hard Rock Cafe Budapest is poised to become a must-see for both visitors and locals. The Budapest cafe is owned and operated by Bigosz Kft.

The four-level, 1097-square-meter cafe includes seating for 220, a vibrant bar, a live music area and Rock Shop.  Memorabilia from Hard Rock’s iconic collection adorns the walls of Hard Rock Cafe Budapest, including items from legendary musicians from around the world, as well as today’s top contemporary artists.  Key memorabilia items featured include: handwritten letters penned by Madonna, Michael Jackson’s platinum award for his Thriller album, an autographed grey suit jacket worn by Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, as well as clothing from Christina Aguilera and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora and a concert poster The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“As Hard Rock continues its expansion across Europe, we are pleased to open our first location within Hungary, 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 franchise partner Bigosz Kft., and sharing the Hard Rock experience with Budapest locals and visitors.”

Guests of Hard Rock Cafe Budapest 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.  So order up a round, raise a glass to Rock and enjoy!

The Budapest cafe’s Rock Shop, offers rock ‘n’ roll-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location.  This Budapest-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 Budapest 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 Budapest 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 173 venues in 53 countries, including 137 cafes and 15 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 and Punta Cana.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Panama Megapolis, scheduled to open in 2011; Cancun and Vallarta scheduled to open in 2012; and Riviera Maya, Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013.  Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com or www.facebook.com/hardrockhotels. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or www.facebook.com/hardrock.