Get ready to add to your T-shirt collection. The iconic Rock-memorabilia-infused tourist favorite Hard Rock Cafe is opening in Cincinnati's freshly rebranded Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati (formerly JACK Casino).
And, yes, that means you can get your official Hard Rock Cafe Cincinnati shirt.
“Hard Rock merchandise has made its mark on the world since the original, timeless classic logo T-shirt was introduced in 1971,” said George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, when the casino's shop opened. “It inspired an entire assortment of merchandise — everything from pins to hoodies, jewelry, hats, glassware, and more. Hard Rock merchandise encapsulates unique memories which pay homage to the region where they’re located.”
The cafe — which is exclusively for those 21 and older — is opening on July 15 with a 9 p.m. concert by Cincinnati's Blessid Union of Souls. (Note: “Due to state age restrictions, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has a 21 and over policy throughout the property," says Goldhoff.)
(Blessid Union of Souls emerged out of Cincinnati in the mid-’90s. The band’s major-label release Home spawned the smash, “I Believe,” a “love conquers all” ballad with subtle spiritual undertones. The song hit No. 1 in the U.S., U.K. and Asia and kicked off a string of charting singles, including “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me For Me)” and “Standing At The Edge Of The Earth,” a song reportedly slated for use as the main theme in the big-budget disaster flick, Armageddon, before it was bumped by Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”)
The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London in 1971, and the brand now has more than 185 locations in over 74 countries.
Along with collectibles, the cafe offers lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh-ground burgers and cocktails. A release says the Cincinnati location will "continually" update its menu with limited-time offerings.
“Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is excited to share Hard Rock Cafe with Greater Cincinnati. It’s a concept that is unique to Greater Cincinnati and an experience that is legendary,” said Goldhoff.
Detroit-based JACK Entertainment LLC sold the 100,000 square-foot JACK Casino Cincinnati to Hard Rock International and VICI Properties Inc. in a deal that was first announced back in April 2019.
VICI will own the property and lease it for $43 million a year to Hard Rock, which will operate the casino's 1,800 slot and other gaming machines and 100 tables as well as its 33,000 square feet of conference space, six restaurants and two bars. That lease will be for 35 years, with an initial 15-year lease and four five-year extensions.
