Hard Rock reaffirms India focus amid cafe closures

Hard Rock International on Wednesday said that while its cafes in India are set to shut down, it continues to view the country as a key market.

“India remains an important market for Hard Rock, and we sincerely thank our guests and fans for their years of patronage at our cafe locations in the country,” the parent of US-headquartered Hard Rock Cafe chain hinted, in response to an email query from DH.

The statement comes a day after master franchisee JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd expressed “deep shock” over Hard Rock’s announcement terminating its franchise agreements, a move that would result in the closure of 10 cafes operated by JSM in India. JSM had termed the decision “unilateral, illegal and misconceived,” adding that its outlets would continue to operate until any binding court order directs otherwise.

In its latest response, Hard Rock reiterated that the said "closures" will not affect the Hard Rock Hotel Goa, which remains open.