Hard Rock Cafe International Announces Senior Management Appointments

Business Wire, March 21, 2002

Business Editors

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)

March 21, 2002

New Hires are Fundamental in Extending Hard Rock Brand

Hard Rock Cafe International today announced the appointment of Janet Kane as vice president of retail merchandising and licensing and David Catalano as vice president of worldwide operations.

"We're pleased to welcome the leadership and vitality of these two outstanding veterans to the Hard Rock Cafe management team," said Pete Beaudrault, president and CEO, Hard Rock Cafe International. "In their new roles, we're confident they will enhance the Cafe operations and deliver an exceptional experience for our guests and extend the Hard Rock Cafe brand further with a solid merchandise strategy and offerings."

Janet Kane, vice president, retail merchandising and licensing, is responsible for developing and overseeing the Company's overall merchandise strategy, inventory management systems and licensing activities. Prior to joining Hard Rock, Janet was vice president, products, for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she was responsible for the merchandising and operations of 28 retail stores, national catalog and e-commerce efforts, and a nationwide licensing program with annual sales of $110 million.

David Catalano, vice president of worldwide operations, oversees the day-to-day restaurant operations, food and beverage research and development, purchasing, and group sales for the Company's more than 100 worldwide cafes. An industry veteran, David spent the past 14 years with T.G.I. Friday's, most recently as vice president of operations for T.G.I. Friday's northeast area.

Hard Rock Cafe is gearing up for an exciting year in 2002 with the opening of three new U.S. cafes in Austin, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis. These follow the recent re-design of the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto in Dundas Square and the relocation of the Phoenix cafe. Hard Rock also recently opened new cafe locations in the U.K. including Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. Additionally, Hard Rock Cafe is developing the first Company-owned and managed Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago, scheduled to open in 2003. In addition, the Company is planning two Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida, in conjunction with the Seminole Tribes of Florida.

For more information on Hard Rock Cafe, visit www.hardrock.com or your local Hard Rock Cafe location. Hard Rock Cafe, one of the most globally recognized music, entertainment and dining brands has a network of more than 100 signature Hard Rock Cafes in 40 countries and a music memorabilia collection valued in excess of $32 million. Known for collectible and fashion merchandise, live concerts, Hard Rock Live performance venues, hardrock.com and Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of London-based The Rank Group Plc (NASDAQ: RANKY).