After two accidents in one month at the site of a future Hard Rock hotel in New Orleans, the company's leader is clarifying its role in the construction.

"We were not the owner or the developer of the site itself," Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, told Cheddar Monday. "It was one of our licensees. But certainly we were excited about creating a new Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans."

Three workers were killed when parts of the upper floors collapsed October 12. On Sunday, the attempted demolition of two cranes on site left one dangling over a city street.

"Our prayers are with the families of the victims and also all the businesses surrounding the site itself, because the ripple effect here has been much more than most people realize," Allen said.

He added Hard Rock has been in the New Orleans market for decades, with its restaurant on famed Bourbon Street, and the company will work with the city and developers to "navigate through this rather challenging time."

Meanwhile, the brand is preparing to open the world's first guitar-shaped hotel in Florida Thursday: the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, a $1.5 billion project.

Part of the new resort is the $125 million Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, totaling 225,000 square feet for major performances. Maroon 5 will perform on the new stage Friday.

Other features of the flagship casino resort include entertainment, extensive gaming, a spa, fitness center, and more.

Share:
More In Business
Stretching Your Dollar: How to Negotiate Medical Bills
With high healthcare costs, bills can quickly add up. In some cases, it is possible to negotiate your medical bills. Barak Richman, law professor at George Washington University, joined Cheddar News to discuss the easiest way to talk to medical debt companies about what's owed.
Stretching Your Dollar: Navigating Insurance
Millions of people have selected insurance plans for 2024 but sometimes navigating them can be tricky time consuming and expensive. Paula Pant, host of 'Afford Anything' podcast, joined Cheddar News to break down what's needed to know about their insurance plans.
Study: Over 58% of Hybrid Workers Are 'Coffee Badging'
With more employees being called back to the office, many workers are suddenly protesting by being in the office for as little time as possible. As the term suggests, coffee-badging means coming in for just enough time to have a cup of coffee, show your face, and swipe your badge.
Securitize: Join The Private Credit Boom
Cheddar News' Need2Know is brought to you by Securitize, which helps unlock broader access to alternative investments in private businesses, funds, and other alternative assets. The private credit boom is here and the Hamilton Lane Senior Credit Opportunities Fund has tripled in assets under management in just six months from November 2022 through April this year. Visit Securitize.io to learn more.
Load More