Hard Rock Cafe Announces Bid For Restaurant Space In Tampa International Airport

Iconic Hospitality Brand and SSP America Plan for Second Cafe Location in Tampa

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Apr 13, 2015, 10:25 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International today officially announced that the global hospitality brand will work with SSP America, The Food Travel Experts, to include Hard Rock Cafe Tampa International Airport (TIA) as part of its proposal for Food and Beverage concessions at the international travel hub. The new cafe would be the brands' first airport location in North America and second cafe location in Tampa, complementing the existing cafe located inside Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa.

"The Tampa community has embraced the Hard Rock Hotel, Casino and Cafe brands for more than a decade, and the opportunity to expand our brand presence within such a special market is a top priority for us," said Michael Beacham, Sr. Vice President and COO of Company Cafes. "This new location will be an ideal way to share our brand with travelers arriving to and departing from this great city."

The new cafe will be included in the proposal made by SSP America to TIA, and rounds out a diverse mix of local restaurant concepts including Richard Gonzmart's award winning concept Ulele, Tampa's own Goody Goody and Cafe Con Leche Ybor City, Evan Longoria's Ducky's Sports Lounge, Buddy Brew Coffee, Louis Pappas Greek Cafe, Square 1 Burgers & Bar, Bella's, Fit Life Foods, Yogurtology, Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria. Hard Rock Cafe Tampa International Airport will be a full-service restaurant.

"When visiting these SSP America restaurant concepts at Tampa International Airport, guests will think they stepped into the original space – that's what's important to the brands they work with," said Richard Gonzmart, President of Columbia Restaurant Group. "We're looking forward to bringing the history of Tampa to Tampa International Airport – and letting visitors instantly know what makes Florida great."

"People are spending more and more time at the airport now and looking for additional options in terms of food and drink, and SSP America bringing in this group of restaurants is only going to make the airport a better place," said Evan Longoria, part owner of Ducky's Sports Lounge.

Guests of the new Hard Rock Cafe Tampa International Airport will enjoy classic, high-quality options including a mouth-watering selection of Legendary™ Burgers. Hard Rock Cafe's menu items are complemented by an extensive, award-winning drinks menu that includes Hurricanes, Margaritas, signature favorites and Alternative Rock (alcohol-free) beverages, all available in Hard Rock souvenir collectible glassware.

The proposed Hard Rock Cafe Tampa International Airport will feature rock 'n' roll memorabilia from Hard Rock's iconic collection, including items from iconic rock stars and today's contemporary artists. Hard Rock Cafe Tampa International Airport's Rock Shop will offer rock 'n' roll-inspired items, as well as collectible Hard Rock Cafe merchandise in its exclusive retail location. Hard Rock's Tampa International Airport-specific merchandise can only be purchased at this location, which offers a unique design quality that enhances each item's appeal.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 199 venues in 63 countries, including 153 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. 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. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Rio de Janeiro and Marrakech. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About SSP America
Since its arrival to North America in 2007, SSP America, the North American division of SSP Group, has positioned itself as the food travel expert, growing to become a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in the U.S. and Canada operating over 200 outlets in 29 airports. SSP America's strong growth has been driven by a strategic vision to dramatically improve the food travel experience for passengers through innovation and investment in brands, extensive training and development of staff, building lasting partnerships with airports and together, putting the needs of the passenger first.

The 4,100-person strong SSP America team is led by a seasoned group of restaurant professionals who operate an extensive portfolio of local, proprietary and national brands created by culinary celebrities and leading industry experts.

Highlights of the portfolio include the award-winning Shake Shack, Jack's Urban Eats, Freshii, Mill St. Brewery and Harry & Izzy's as well as a range of innovative concepts created in partnership with culinary superstars such as New York's heralded Chef Marcus Samuelsson; Canadian Chef Massimo Capra and Arizona's Chef Matt Carter and iconic national brands such as The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Buffalo Wild Wings and many more.

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SOURCE Hard Rock International