Operator News
US – With New York in its sights Hard Rock distances itself from franchise restaurants in Russia
By Phil - 3 March 2023
As it prepares to enter the bidding for a New York casino licence, Hard Rock International has looked to lessen its ties to Russia via two franchise restaurants in Moscow and St Petersberg.
Hard Rock has been linked to a potential New York bid with Mets owner Steve Cohen, to develop a casino next to the CitiField stadium in Willets Point, Queens.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order last year, preventing any New York entity from working with any business in Russia due to the war in Ukraine.
Hard Rock has this week stated: “Hard Rock does not own or operate any property in Russia. The independently owned Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow closed months ago. The independent operator of the Hard Rock Cafe in St. Petersburg agreed to close operations March 13.”
“Since the beginning of the war, Hard Rock International joined the millions of people around the world condemning the unprovoked attack on Ukraine and its people. At that time, Hard Rock vowed to suspend all future investment and development in Russia, donate all profits from the two franchise locations in Russia to humanitarian causes in Ukraine.”
