Hard Rock Cafe to close Memphis location

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Memphis is losing a staple on the iconic Beale Street. The Hard Rock Café has announced that it will be closing its doors permanently at 126 Beale Street because its lease is expiring.

July 30, 2023, is the last day the restaurant will be open. More than 50 people will lose their jobs and the doors at Hard Rock Cafe will close permanently.

Memphis Tourism President and CEO, Kevin Kain, believes when the doors close at 126 Beale Street, the location will not be empty long.

“It’s a great location, Beale and 2nd is one block from the river. It’s a lot of hotels around there, it’s a prime location,” said Kain.

After speaking with a few businesses in the area, and they say they don’t believe shops and restaurants will take a hit because Beale Street... is Beale Street.

Jerred Price, President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association said “, People come to Memphis from all over the world to experience Memphis. Hard Rock’s an international brand and there are Hard Rock’s all over and we appreciate them being here but there are still plenty of places on Beale Street where people can experience the Memphis taste.”

There are talks about a new Hard Rock hotel coming to Memphis. It would still be on Beale Street just on the other end, where Jerry Lee Lewis’ spot is now.

Hard Rock said in a statement:

“Since the opening of the first Hard Rock Cafe Memphis in 1997, Hard Rock International has enjoyed serving the Memphis community and playing a role in the city’s celebrated dining culture. In July 2023, the lease for Hard Rock Cafe Memphis, located at 126 Beale Street, will expire. The location will permanently close as a result. We are currently expanding operations in 50 locations within the next five years and are open to having another location within the Memphis market if the right space can be identified.”

Kain says he believes this will be an opportunity for growth in Memphis.“We look at every closing as an opportunity for someone else to come into the market. We will just see what the future holds for that location,” said Kain.

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