Hard Rock Announces Award Winners at Annual Conference

Hard Rock International announced the winners of its 2015 awards in recognition of exceptional achievements and commitment of employees, franchisees, and partners throughout the year. Hard Rock selected its top stars from its venues in 68 countries and hundreds of partners worldwide based on criteria like financial performance, unique sales accomplishments, community contributions, creativity, strategic marketing, philanthropy, brand loyalty, and leadership. This year’s winners were honored at Hard Rock’s annual global conference at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando.

The conference’s top awards were presented to: Corporate Cafe of the Year: Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam; Franchise Cafe of the Year: Hard Rock Cafe Tenerife; Hotel of the Year: Hard Rock Hotel Orlando; Casino of the Year: Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood.

Hard Rock honored several key partners selected from hundreds of brands around the globe, naming Steelite International as Culinary Partner of the Year; JAKMANS as Retail Partner of the Year; Monin Gourmet Flavorings as Beverage Partner of the Year; and AB/InBev as Global Event Partner of the Year. Hard Rock executives also presented the Project Development Partner of the Year award to WATG/Wimberly Interiors and Technology Partner of the Year to Quality Retail Systems.

Additional award highlights also included Company General Manager of the Year for 2015, presented to James Reynolds of Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip and Franchise General Manager of the Year presented to Malla Narayan of Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo. Franchisee of the Year honors were given to Viking Productions, which operates Hard Rock Cafe locations in the Cayman Islands and Nassau, and the Montego Bay Airport Rock Shop.

Hard Rock also presented the Brand Marketing Corporate Cafe of the Year award to Hard Rock Cafe Madrid, and the Brand Marketing Franchise Cafe of the Year award to Hard Rock Cafe Warsaw. Additional awards were presented to Luis Entrala of Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta as Hotel & Casino Leader of the Year, and Brand Marketing Hotel & Casino of the Year to the Hard Rock Hotel All Inclusive Collection.

“All of Hard Rock’s venue, partner and employee winners have demonstrated excellence and dedication to the continued growth and success of our brand,” says Hamish Dodds, president and CEO, Hard Rock International. “These awards acknowledge not only great achievement, but also highlight the incredible passion that makes Hard Rock so iconic.”

Hard Rock International’s Global Conference brings together team members from all over the world, including company and franchise-owned cafes, hotels and casinos, as well as key corporate partners in the retail, culinary, beverage, and project development industries. Each year, Hard Rock uses Global Conference as an arena to showcase all areas of the brand, and this year was no exception. Remaining true to the brand’s commitment to music and philanthropy, the three-day conference also served as the launch of Hard Rock’s Bob Marley Signature Series: Edition 34 merchandise line, benefiting charity partner City of Hope.

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