Hard Rock operates a global hospitality and entertainment brand that runs restaurants, hotels, and casinos with a rock-and-roll theme. The core experience blends American-style dining with a live music atmosphere and a curated collection of music memorabilia, which started organically from a customer’s guitar request and grew into the brand’s hallmark. The business model spans multiple hospitality verticals, including themed cafes, hotels, and casino gaming venues, all unified under the Hard Rock brand. Unlike many competitors, Hard Rock is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which acquired the brand in 2007, enabling strategic expansion in gaming and hospitality across the world. The company’s goal is to deliver immersive entertainment-centered experiences through consistent branding, hospitality, and iconic memorabilia across its global network.
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Founded
1971
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Developers offer first look at plans for Hard Rock Hotel in Jacksonville. Published on October 2, 2026 at 10:59 am Developers of a proposed Hard Rock Hotel on the Downtown Northbank provided a first public look at the project's design Thursday during a Downtown Development Review Board workshop. First things first: It won't be shaped like a guitar and won't include a casino. Jacksonville Today thanks its sponsors. Become one. Developer Michael Munz led a team that presented designs to the board for the 30-story hotel and condominium building planned at 500 E. Bay St. The project team said the property would include a 350-key hotel and 152 residences, plus restaurants, cafes, retail, live entertainment, event space, meeting facilities, wellness amenities and amenities for children. Read the rest of this story at the Jacksonville Daily Record, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
Hard Rock International has been named Land-Based Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas in Las Vegas. This is the third time the company has received this honour, which recognises outstanding performance across its properties. The award follows Hard Rock's opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, its first fully integrated resort in Canada, and completion of Phase One at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon in California. A panel of 100 senior industry executives determined the winners, with KPMG US independently adjudicating the voting process. Hard Rock was also runner-up for Responsible Business of the Year and Property of the Year for its Tejon casino.
Hard Rock International wins Land-Based Operator of the Year at 2026 Global Gaming Awards. HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Hard Rock International was recognized as the Land-Based Operator of the Year at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas in Las Vegas yesterday. One of the gaming industry's most respected honors, this marks the third time Hard Rock International has received the award, which recognizes the top-performing land-based casino operator for outstanding performance across its properties over the past year. All award winners were determined by a panel of 100 senior industry executives, and the voting process was independently adjudicated by KPMG US. Judges underscored Hard Rock's exceptional growth and operational excellence over the past 12 months. Highlights included the successful opening of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Hard Rock's first fully integrated resort in Canada, and continued progress at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, which completed Phase One of development in Kern County, California, in November 2025. Looking ahead, Hard Rock continues to advance several transformative projects, including the iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas featuring a new 42-story guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Strip; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, the company's landmark integrated resort development in one of Europe's premier gateway cities; and Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park in Queens, New York, in partnership with Steve Cohen. "We're honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards Americas. This recognition demonstrates how Hard Rock has built an unmatched gaming experience rooted in 55 years of music heritage and motivates us to keep raising the bar for our valued guests around the world," said Jeff Hook, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International. Hard Rock International was runner-up in two Global Gaming Awards categories: Responsible Business of the Year, recognizing the scale of Hard Rock's responsible gaming and social impact work; and Property of the Year for Hard Rock Casino Tejon, developed in partnership with the Tejon Indian Tribe, which opened last fall and features 150,000 square feet of gaming space just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The company also was shortlisted for awards in categories including Digital Operator for Hard Rock Bet and Customer Loyalty Program for Unity(TM) by Hard Rock, reflecting the breadth of the company's gaming operations. About Hard Rock(R) Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops(R), Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 89,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity(TM) by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide. HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody's Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com. SOURCE Hard Rock International
Hard Rock Casino Tejon names Mike Bean as Property President. Sep 28, 2026, 10:00 ET Veteran tribal gaming executive brings decades of leadership experience to the Tejon Indian Tribe's property METTLER, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - The Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock Casino Tejon today announced the appointment of Mike Bean as Property President. Bean joins Hard Rock Casino Tejon following his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa and will officially assume his new role on October 5. Bean brings more than 30 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, with much of his career spent in leadership roles within tribal gaming enterprises. His experience includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment in Arizona, along with senior leadership roles at several major gaming and resort organizations. "On behalf of the Tejon Indian Tribe, we are proud to welcome Mike Bean to Hard Rock Casino Tejon," said Octavio Escobedo III, Chairman of the Tejon Indian Tribe. "Mike understands tribal gaming and the responsibility that comes with leading an enterprise that supports a Tribal Nation and its future. He has built a reputation for developing strong teams, delivering operational excellence and creating exceptional experiences for guests and team members alike. We have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time, and with continued growth and new developments on the horizon, we are confident Mike is the right leader to guide our property into its next chapter." "Mike's proven track record and deep experience in tribal gaming make him an outstanding fit for Hard Rock Casino Tejon. We're excited to welcome him to the Hard Rock family and look forward to working alongside him and the Tejon Indian Tribe as the property continues to grow," said Jeff Hook, COO of Hard Rock International. Bean succeeds Chris Kelley, who guided the property through its opening and successful first year of operations. "We thank Chris for his leadership and dedication during an important period in our history, and we wish him continued success," said Chairman Escobedo. During his first early weeks, Bean will focus on meeting team members, learning the operation and immersing himself in the culture that has driven the property's early success. About Hard Rock Casino Tejon Since its opening, Hard Rock Casino Tejon has positioned itself as a premier entertainment destination along the I-5 corridor, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The property features 150,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,100 slot machines, over 60 table games, and multiple dining destinations, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, The Marketplace, Deep Cut Steak | Seafood and YouYu. The entertainment venue is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield, on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, situated at the southernmost tip of California's Southern San Joaquin Valley and nestled near the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass that connects Southern California to the Central Valley. This region of the San Joaquin Valley is home to one of the most productive agricultural counties in the country and is the center point of the state with access to the Central Coast and both Northern and Southern California within a couple hours' drive. About Hard Rock(R) Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 venues including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops(R), Live Performance Locations and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 89,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity(TM) by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide. HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB), Moody's Investors Service (Baa2), and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com. SOURCE Hard Rock International
Jamul Casino Resort names Chris Kelley as first CEO. September 25, 2026 JAMUL, CA - Jamul Casino Resort has appointed Chris Kelley as its first CEO, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across the hospitality, gaming and entertainment industries. Kelley joins Jamul Casino Resort following his role as President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon, where he led the opening of the largest private hospitality investment in Kern County history. His experience includes leading gaming properties through openings, operational growth and strategic development. Prior to Hard Rock, Kelley served as President & COO of MGM Resorts International Northeast Group, overseeing operations at MGM Springfield in Springfield, MA, and Empire City in Yonkers, NY. He also held senior leadership roles with MGM Resorts, including President & COO of MGM Northfield Park and CFO of MGM Detroit. Kelley began his career in San Diego, where he held several leadership positions at Viejas Casino & Resort, including CFO and General Manager. "What impressed us is that throughout his career, Chris built a reputation as a strategic thinker and results-oriented leader," said Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation. "We're grateful his homecoming to San Diego is to use his considerable skills and experience to help continue the legacy of Jamul Casino Resort's success." As CEO, Kelley will oversee operations and strategic growth at Jamul Casino Resort and work with the Board of the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation to develop economic and tribal interests beyond the existing enterprise.