New Hard Rock Aussie Owner

UK-born Jeffrey Beaumont, a director of private equity group Tandem Capital, took over in mid-October. Australia’s final two outlets, in Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Surfers Paradise, were operated by Lionel Huntly’s companies Hard Rock Cafe Sydney Pty Ltd. and Goddings Pty Ltd. since 2011.

The companies went into liquidation in June.

A report published in the Sydney Morning Herald Oct. 25, said they owed A$4 million ($3.84 million).

Its 100 staffers were owed A$1 million mostly in unpaid superannuation.

About 100 creditors were advised it is ”unlikely” they will recoup their losses.

These include A$453,000 to the Tax Office and A$1 million to parent company Hard Rock Cafe International.

Beaumont says that most staff entitlements will be honoured.

He is also planning to set up a second Hard Rock Café in Sydney, having registered the name Hard Rock Café Bondi, and plans to set up outlets in Melbourne, Perth and Darwin.

A statement from Hard Rock International confirmed, “Hard Rock remains committed to the existing cafe locations in Australia.”