Hard Rock International Wins RLI Global Leisure Operator 2013 Award

Retail and Leisure International Recognizes Hard Rock for Global Recognition and Innovation

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Jun 28, 2013, 01:20 ET

LONDON, June 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Retail and Leisure International (RLI) today presented Hamish Dodds, President and CEO of Hard Rock International (HRI), in the presence of Chairman James E. Billie of the Seminole Tribe of Florida – owners of Hard Rock International, with an award naming the hospitality and entertainment brand as 2013 RLI Global Leisure Operator. This prestigious industry award honored Hard Rock for its achievements in brand expansion in varying areas of the hospitality including casinos, hotels and cafes; outstanding performance and innovative offerings to guests in 54 countries around the word.

"On behalf of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the entire Hard Rock family, I am honored to accept this prominent award celebrating the achievements of our exemplary brand," said James E. Billie, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. "For more than 40 years, Hard Rock has remained committed to offering guests at our Cafe, Hotel and Casino properties unique experiences that reflect the spirit of our brand; including high-quality fare, top-notch accommodations, exciting gaming and energetic atmospheres."

Despite a challenging economic forecast, HRI has continued to grow through a strategy of both geographic diversity and expansion in the gaming hospitality and industries. Further brand expansion in gaming includes new casino projects planned in Hungary and Northfield, Ohio, USA. Upcoming Hard Rock Hotel projects include Abu Dhabi, Aruba, Daytona Beach, Palm Springs, Riviera Maya, Haikou and Shenzhen in China. Additionally, HRI opened new cafes in 2013 including locations in Guatemala City, Ibiza and Melaka, with plans for additional cafe locations in Santa Cruz, Kota Kinabalu, Colombo, San Jose, Chennai, Doha and Tahiti.

HRI's continued successes can be attributed to its loyal fan-base and the brand's on-going efforts to deliver amazing experiences to 82 million annual guests through the brand's more than 31,000 employees. Owner of the world's most iconic collection of music memorabilia, Hard Rock shares it collection of more than 77,000 pieces of authentic artifacts with fans in all of their 176 properties across the world, online at hardrock.com and socially with more than 6.2 million Facebook fans. Additionally, in 2013 guests have rocked out at more than 20,000 Hard Rock-produced live music events and kicked back in Hard Rock's 9,500 hotel rooms worldwide.

For additional information on Hard Rock International, please visit www.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 176 venues in 54 countries, including 138 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 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, Las Vegas, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Jose, Chennai, Istanbul and Tenerife. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Daytona Beach, Palm Springs, Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.