Byegone places in Mexico City / Hard Rock Cafe Mexico City, closed in 2013 due to issues with the franchise
When it opened in 1993, there were huge lines to get a seat, and international music stars would parade through.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Hard Rock Café first appeared in London, in Hyde Park, in 1971. The concept was centered around decorating the venue with rock culture memorabilia, like electric guitars, platinum records, famous rockers’ clothing, and so on. It was founded by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, both wealthy American entrepreneurs born in 1947 (which means they were just 24 years old at the time!). Interesting note: by 1990, there were 175 of these restaurants across 55 countries. Quite the franchise!
How did the HRC in Mexico City begin?
According to Maspormas, the Hard Rock Café in Mexico City was the brainchild of “a handful of young Mexicans, children of prominent businesspeople, who needed something to do with their time and money.” The venture lasted 20 years, with the restaurant located on Campos Elíseos and Reforma in Polanco closing its doors in 2013.
Over those two decades, the venue played host to icons like Michael Jackson, Elton John (who laid the first stone), Gustavo Cerati, Miguel Bosé, Molotov, Robbie Williams, Gloria Gaynor, James Brown, Alanis Morissette, Enanitos Verdes, Jaguares, Fito Páez, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, among others. The closure of the Hard Rock Café was due to issues with the franchise, which had been acquired by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. (What?)
The Food at HRC
The menu was classic American fare. I remember the Jumbo Combo (wings, onion rings, spring rolls), nachos, spinach and artichoke dip, sliders, and of course, the must-have burgers, like the legendary double cheese and the impossible one.
In Mexico, Hard Rock Café still operates in Los Cabos, Cancún, Cozumel, Guadalajara, and Playa del Carmen.
- Address: Campos Elíseos and Reforma, Polanco, CDMX.
- Hours and Days of Operation: Permanently closed.
