Dubai: American rock n' roll restaurant chain Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) on Monday denied reports that Planet Group was awarded the franchise for an Abu Dhabi-based location.
George Moussa, managing partner of the Planet Group, announced at an October 9 news conference in the UAE capital that the group has secured the franchise for HRC in Abu Dhabi and a location was being finalised.
According to a statement from Hard Rock Cafe Middle East, (HRCME) which controls franchising for the UAE, discussions are still open for anyone looking to open a franchise anywhere in the country, except Dubai.
"Hard Rock Cafe Middle East declares that the franchise for Hard Rock Cafe in Abu Dhabi has not been granted to any company, including Planet Group, that no agreement or undertaking or commitment was given neither to Planet Group nor to any other group in Abu Dhabi for the opening and the operation of [a] Hard Rock Cafe restaurant in this area," the statement said.
Moussa said no agreements have been signed to open the Abu Dhabi Hard Rock, but maintains the two companies are in negotiations and are close to signing an deal.
"We have received a letter of interest and started looking at locations," he said. "We have [been in] negotiations with Hard Rock Middle East for one year, we have a letter of interest and we've agreed on the terms of a memorandum of understanding."
A representative of HRCME declined to comment on any ongoing negotiations.
"Hard Rock Cafe Middle East shall publish a communique, in due time, informing the public about the franchisee name and the opening date of [the] Hard Rock Cafe in Abu Dhabi once all agreements are finalised, signed and agreed by the franchisor," the statement said.
As one of the leading brands globally, HRC has some 122 cafes and 13 hotels in 42 countries. Dubai already has a HRC.
