Rock and Roll themed, United States based Hard Rock Cafe is finally here and has promised to create opportunities for aspiring rock stars in T&T.
Yesterday, members of the media got a sneak peek of the Cafe which seats 250 people and has a glamorous stage to facilitate local rock bands, pop and rock singers as well as amateur karaoke singers.
Area vice president Americas Tom Perez said apart from creating local opportunities for music, Hard Rock has also committed to assisting local charities.
Saying the Cafe has partnered with the Rotary Club of San Fernando, Perez said Hard Rock will raise funds for a toy drive for Christmas.
He said the local team was currently doing assessments to see which charity they will support.
Asked why they chose Trinidad, Perez responded, “Why not Trinidad?”
He added, “Trinidad is a fun-loving island and people don’t have many options. We are the creme-de-la-creme of fun options. We wanted to come here for a while and we are happy to finally be able to open our first restaurant in South Trinidad.”
Saying the Cafe will add entertainment value to T&T, Perez said it will be on par with other casual dining restaurants when it comes to the price of food.
However, he boasted that quality and standards will be far superior to anything locals have ever seen.
“We are going to give first-class options. Our legendary burgers are second to none. The music, ambience and memorabilia will be second to none,” he added.
Perez showed a video of the social work that Hard Rock Cafe has done. Operating 180 cafes in 75 countries around the world, Perez said Hard Rock Cafe has engaged in disaster relief initiatives.
“We have built hospitals and schools. Our mottos are all around our restaurants. We teach people to farm so they can avoid hunger and we offer opportunities for education especially for our children,” he added.
Asked whether agricultural produce will be sourced locally, Perez said yes. However, he said the beef used for burgers will be imported from the US. He did not reveal the cost of setting up the Hard Rock establishment saying it was confidential.
hew also said that Hard Rock had hired over 100 locals. Unfazed about T&T’s foreign exchange predicament, Perez said Hard Rock is locally owned. he said the Cafe was operating in countries with worse economic problems than T&T including Venezuela and Mongolia.
“Economic trends come and go. It is all about ebbs and flows. Take advantage of flows so when it ebbs you are able to manage well,” he added.
The actual date for the opening of the Cafe has not yet been announced.
However, Perez urged citizens to keep on the lookout on the Hard Rock Cafe’s website and on Facebook and Twitter. Live bands interested in performing can contact the Cafe’s general manager via social media.
“This is absolutely the stage where you can come in and play music. Many bands became famous for playing in Hard Rock Cafe. We will have karaoke with a live band. You better not be shy because you will be singing with a live band,” he added.
During the tour, members of the media got a first-hand look at memorabilia from famous Rock and Roll stars. There was a pair of boots designed and worn by Cher as well as guitars from Guns and Roses, Miley Cyrus, a Kanna Taniuchi skirt from hip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj, outfits from Lady Gaga, Shakira, the late Elvis Presley and Prince.
Guests were treated to signature drinks including a milkshake as well as delicious beef burgers, cheese fries with smoked bacon, wings and fish sticks.
