Orlando, Fla., February 6, 2012 – Hard Rock International is proud to announce the winners of its 2012 Awards in recognition of outstanding accomplishments and dedication of employees, franchisees and partners. Hard Rock selected the top “rock stars” from more than 174 Hard Rock locations in 53 countries and hundreds of partners worldwide. The much-anticipated awards were chosen based on financial performance, unique sales accomplishments, community contributions, creativity, strategic marketing, philanthropy, brand loyalty and leadership. The ceremony included the highly-coveted awards for “Company Worldwide Cafe of the Year,” given to the team at Hard Rock Cafe Venice; “Franchise Cafe of the Year,” awarded to Hard Rock Cafe Buenos Aires; “Franchisee of the Year” given to HRC Colombia; “Hotel of the Year,” presented to Hard Rock Hotel Orlando; and “Hotel & Casino of the Year” given to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. Award highlights also included “Company General Manager of the Year” for 2011, proudly presented to Nicos Charalambous of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, who received a Harley Davidson motorcycle for his outstanding leadership; and Gordon D’Saouzo of Hard Rock Cafe Mumbai, who took home the award for “Franchise General Manager of the Year,” along with a check for $10,000. Selected from hundreds of brands around the globe, Hard Rock honored several key partners, naming Rich Products as “Culinary Partner of the Year”; ADI International as “Retail Partner of the Year”; Anheuser-Busch Inbev as “Global Beverage Partner of the Year”; and Crown Imports as “Event Beverage Partner of the Year.” Hard Rock executives also presented the “Project Development Partner of the Year” award to Fuse Studios and “I.T. Partner of the Year” to KFP Communications.“Each and every one of our employees, franchisees and partners around the globe display a passionate commitment to Hard Rock and bring tremendous value to our world-famous brand,” said Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. “We are proud to be able to show our sincere appreciation for all members of the Hard Rock family and honor them for their success and achievement.” Hard Rock International’s Global Conference brings together team members from all over the world, including company and franchise-owned cafes, hotels and casinos, as well as key corporate partners in the retail, culinary, beverage and project development industries. Each year, Hard Rock utilizes the Global Conference as an arena in which to unite all areas of the brand and elevate the Hard Rock experience throughout the world. About Hard Rock International With a total of 174 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 2012; 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.