Hard Rock Cafe outlets in India will continue to operate for the time being, franchise partner JSM Group said on Tuesday, rejecting claims that the restaurants were closed following the end of its partnership with Hard Rock International.
The Mumbai-based company expressed its “deep shock” at what it described as a “unilateral, illegal and completely misunderstood announcement” by Hard Rock International suggesting that the chain’s Indian locations would be closed.
The clarification comes a day after Hard Rock International announced that it is ending its partnership with JSM Corporation and closing all 10 Hard Rock Cafe restaurants in India. However, the Hard Rock Hotel in Goa will continue to operate.
Read also | Hard Rock Cafe is closing 10 restaurants across India following the termination of its franchise agreement
In a strongly worded statement, JSM Group disputed the claims, saying the decision announced by Hard Rock International was outside the contractual framework governing the partnership.
“JSM expresses its deep shock at the unilateral, illegal and completely incorrect announcement made across news platforms regarding the alleged closure of Hard Rock Cafes in India,” the company said.
Read also | Hard Rock Cafe exits major Indian cities after JSM partnership ends
He added that the claims made by Hard Rock International were particularly surprising given that JSM had made a significant monetary claim against the Hard Rock Group, indicating that the dispute between the two parties was ongoing.
Outlets for continued operation
JSM Group has clarified that all Hard Rock Cafe outlets in India will continue to operate as usual unless otherwise ordered by the court.
“JSM Group makes it clear that Hard Rock Cafes in India will continue to operate as usual until a binding decision is taken by a court of competent jurisdiction to the contrary,” the company said, indicating it was exploring legal options.
The company said its immediate focus is on protecting the interests of its employees, customers, partners and suppliers, many of whom have been associated with the brand in India for over two decades.
JSM also highlighted his role in building the Hard Rock Cafe brand in India over the past 22 years, including weathering difficult times like the Covid-19 pandemic.
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According to the company, this growth occurred despite limited support from Hard Rock International during challenging times.
“We remain committed to protecting the interests of all stakeholders and ensuring that credible and accurate information is shared with the public,” the statement added.
Hard Rock Cafe journey in India
Hard Rock International entered the Indian market in 2005, opening its first Hard Rock Cafe outlet in the Worli area of Mumbai. The restaurant was launched through a partnership between Hard Rock International and JSM Corporation, founded by Sanjay Mahtani and Jay Singh.
Over the years, the brand expanded across major Indian cities and became known for its American-style dining, live music events and rock-and-roll-themed memorabilia.
Around 2017, Jay Singh left the company and then Jitendra Virwani, CEO of Bengaluru-based Embassy Group, acquired a stake in JSM Corporation.
There are currently 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India, located in cities including Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi and Pune.
Hard Rock International operates worldwide in more than 75 countries with more than 315 Hard Rock-branded locations, including cafes, hotels and casinos. The company operates 37 hotels and 19 casinos worldwide, making it one of the world’s most recognized hospitality brands.
A legal battle may ensue
With both sides offering conflicting claims about Hard Rock Cafe’s future in India, the dispute could potentially move to the courts.
For now, JSM Group says the restaurants will remain open, although it is evaluating legal options in response to Hard Rock International’s announcement.
