Hard Rock Cafe plans to reopen at new site

DUBAI // The Hard Rock Cafe will reopen at a new location in the city "as soon as possible", its managers said yesterday. The popular venue closed this week after 11 years. The owners of Hard Rock Cafe Middle East said that "as a result of the deteriorating site conditions, following the unexpected demolition of the adjoining hotel, the cafe can no longer adequately serve our loyal customer base".

But Jihad Allaban, the company's director of operations, was optimistic about a restaurant to replace the one on Sheikh Zayed Road. He said. "It is an international city, it is a regional hot-spot, and we definitely want to remain here." The Hard Rock has served no alcohol since last June and there were petitions against its closure. Said one regular, Sacha Narinx: "People used to have to wait for hours for a free table."

nsamaha@thenational.ae