Hard Rock International Issues Statement Regarding Hard Rock Cafe Cancun

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Aug 22, 2014, 08:56 ET

ORLANDO, Fla. and CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock Cafe Cancun, which is not part of the Hard Rock International portfolio, and operating illegally as an unauthorized cafe, was closed last night by local authorities. Hard Rock is currently seeking enforcement of an earlier arbitration award to shut down the Cancun property among others operated by Operdora DB Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

Hard Rock International terminated its franchise relationship with Operadora DB Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Hard Rock Cafe franchisee in Mexico, in 2011 after several years of disputes relating to non-compliance with franchise standards and franchise payment obligations.

In 2001 Robert Earl, owner of the twice bankrupt Planet Hollywood chain, acquired controlling interest in Grupo ECE Mexico, S.A. de C.V., and its subsidiary Operadora DB Mexico, S.A. de C.V.

Operadora DB Mexico, S.A. de C.V. continues to operate several unauthorized Hard Rock Cafe restaurants in Mexico illegally, namely, cafes in Cozumel, Cancun, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas, in violation of arbitrations in Mexico and final adjudication by Mexican arbitrators under the oversight of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 189 venues in 58 countries, including 143 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, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Seoul, San Juan and Marseille. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.