The first Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) opened its doors to the public on June 14, 1971, in London, England. Founded by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, HRC was an instant classic, attracting customers with its moderately priced fare, warm service and ever-present rock ’n’ roll music and sensibility. HRC was initially decorated with an eye toward eclectic Americana, but it has ultimately become the world’s leading collector and exhibitor of rock ’n’roll objects.

Hard Rock began its global expansion in 1982. Nowadays, with over 171 venues in more than 50 countries around the world, including 134 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock has become a truly global phenomenon, offering a special experience to its devoted, ever-expanding clientele.

Its special collection, which consists of more than 70,000 pieces that are rotated from restaurant to restaurant, provides the world’s most comprehensive “visual history” of rock ’n’ roll. These treasures include an outstanding collection of classic guitars and other instruments, posters, costumes, music and lyric sheets, album art, platinum and gold LPs, photos and much more, from Jimi Hendrix’s guitar to John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to “Help” to one of Madonna’s now-classic bustiers. And, like the true “living museum” that it is, Hard Rock’s collection remains a work in progress, constantly expanding and deepening as new music – and new music history – is made every day.

Throughout its history, Hard Rock has been governed by a guiding service philosophy – “Love All – Serve All”. Created as a place where all have always been welcome, independently of age, sex or class; this unconditional welcoming hand continues today, as integral to Hard Rock’s present and future as it was to its beginnings.

(Adaptado de:The hard rock story: a brief history of a global phenomenon. Disponível em: <http://www.hardrock.com/corporate/history/ >.Acesso em: 13 jul. 2011.)