The JSM Group, the Indian partner of Hard Rock Cafe International SPC (Inc) for over 22 years, on March 17 expressed “deep shock” at the announcement made by the Florida-based hospitality and entertainment company on March 16 that it was closing down 10 of its cafes in India.
The JSM Group clarified that Hard Rock Cafes in India would continue to operate as usual, pending any binding order of a court of appropriate jurisdiction to the contrary.
“We remain fully committed to protecting the interests of all stakeholders, including circulating credible and accurate information to the public,” JSM Group further said.
“The Hard Rock Group’s unilateral claims in this regard are outside of the contractual framework and unsupported by a court order,” JSM Group said in a statement responding to Hard Rock Cafe International’s media statement on March 16 informing of the closure of 10 of its cafes in India.
The JSM Group termed it an “alleged” closure and also “unilateral, illegal and entirely misconceived”. JSM further said, “While we are evaluating our options, our immediate priority remains our employees, loyal customers, partners and suppliers in India who have supported and operated the brand for over two decades.”
Published – March 17, 2026 07:31 pm IST
