Bengaluru: For the people of Bengaluru, the Hard Rock Cafe is not just an ordinary restaurant, but a wholesome place with so many memories. But now, it is shutting down. Florida-based Hard Rock International has terminated its licensing agreements with JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd and related entities, ending the operator’s right to run all Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops across India.

The closure comes as part of a larger decision to shut down 10 outlets across major cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune.

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'RIP to an era': Social media users react

The announcement has gone viral on social media. Many people are sad about the closure.

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One user wrote, "Oh, so sad…frequently attended gigs in HRC Pune when it was in ABC Farms, as my husband used to play here with his band, it closed in Covid and never came back in its original format, what a place that was in ABC Farms. The one in Amanora couldn't do justice to HRC. So sad."

Another X user said, "This is heartbreaking. RIP to an era. Hope someone brings a similar spot back!"

But many people also called the cafes “overpriced” and “overrated”.

One user pointed out that while Hard Rock Cafe was good, it was “ultra expensive”. Local pubs and cafes offer similar experiences at much lower prices.

The second user said, “The cafe was good, but local pubs gave tough competition to Hard Rock Cafe. It was good but ultra expensive.”

Third commented, “Hard Rock Cafe is overrated, overpriced, average food, surrounded by cheap rock memorabilia.”

Which 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets are closing?

  • Bengaluru (St. Mark’s Road, Airport & Whitefield)
  • Chandigarh
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad (two outlets)
  • Kolkata
  • New Delhi
  • Pune

However, the Hard Rock Hotel in Goa will continue to operate normally as it is not part of this franchise agreement.

Why did Hard Rock Cafe terminate the contract?

Hard Rock International has not given any clear reason for ending the agreement with its Indian partner. The company only stated that the franchise deal covering all Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops in India has been terminated.

Hard Rock Cafe was started in 1971 in America. It is famous worldwide for its rock music theme, American-style food, and large collection of music memorabilia. At one time, it was very popular among youngsters and the IT crowd in India.