Hard Rock Cafe-Houston

THE FIRST

The original Hard Rock Cafe was founded in London 1971 by two young Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton. The idea was to offer real American food and culture. The first day only 12 customers showed up, but soon the Hard Rock was a magnet to all kinds of people according to the "LOVE ALL - SERVE ALL" concept. For the first time ever people stood in line to get into a restaurant. The next Hard Rock to open was in Los Angeles 1982, but since then the expansion has been quick.

THE EXPERIENCE

The model for the Hard Rock Cafe is a southern state truck stop diner. Home cooked food, huge portions, checked-table cloths, waitresses in white dresses who give a quick and friendly service everything together with the best rock'n'roll music. Several details in the interior decoration contributes to the great Hard Rock feeling. Foor example the wooden floor, the brass, the different sections, the brown and yellow colors, the high ceiling and the well decorated walls. Yet another HRC trademark are the huge stained glass images of historic Hard Rockers such as Elvis Presly and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

THE FOOD

The menu at the Hard Rock Cafe is traditional American and almost the same as in 1971, but it is always improving and changing along with different locations and local tastes. The most popular items include char-broiled burgers, hickory smoked spare ribs and chicken, salads, steaks, and huge desserts. The Hard Rock Cafe is well known for its drinks like Lost Weekend, Hair Remover and the world famous Hard Rock Hurricane.

THE MUSIC

The music at the Hard Rock Cafe is important for the atmosphere. The music played is the best rock'n'roll from the 50's until the music of today. From the moment they open until closing you can hear tunes from their great collection of titles. It contains more than 2000 hits and covers over 800 artists.

THE CONCEPT

The Hard Rock Cafe concept has a much greater place in people's mind than you could expect from 60 some restaurants. That depends basically on the wellknown logo, designed by the English artist Alan Aldridge. The strength of the logo and the concept of the Hard Rock Cafe is evident if you consider the incredibly great success our merchandise has turned out to be. The Hard Rock T-shirt - the most sold ever - and our other merchandise items have an almost remarkable power of attraction to tourists as well as to locals. Something to be very grateful and happy for.

THE GUESTS

Since the doors opened to guests - young, old, tourists, regulars, business people, families - have been visiting them more and more frequently, year after year. How can they attract so many and such different people? The question is answered by the strength of the concept itself and that they always try to keep the original Hard Rock feeling. To create a Hard Rock restaurant that gives the right impression, service and quality takes a lot effort. To date (summer '96) more than 25 million guests have visited the Hard Rock Cafe!

I'd like to thank Ryan Bushman for the use of this history section.