Even though there are 180 Hard Rock Cafes in the world, the two locations that are the closest to each other are in different countries.
The Hard Rock Cafe on 5705 Falls Drive in Niagara Falls is just 1.4 km away from its American counterpart on 333 Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York.
Take border guards out of the picture and the two locations are only a five minute drive apart. In fact, a crow could fly from one to the other in four minutes.
However, their unusual connection does not end there. These two separate franchises were also the two which opened their doors the closest together with the New York one opening July 10, 1996, followed by the Canadian side on December 9, 1996 – one day less than five months apart.
Hard Rock Cafes are, of course, known for their collection of rock-and-roll memorabilia. The chain estimates that half of their collections, which include autographed guitars, costumes from world tours and rare photographs, are donated directly by the artists themselves while the other half are purchased at auctions.
From stage worn outfits to guitars from pretty much any rockers you can think of, a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe is akin to walking into a rock-and-roll museum. (Photos: Hard Rock Memorabilia Facebook)
While the chain originated with the first opening June 14, 1971, in London, England, it peaked in the late-1990s to mid-2000s and has slowly been declining since that time.
There are now just two Canadian locations: the one in Niagara Falls and the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, B.C. Only 33 locations remain in the U.S.
However, not all Hard Rock Cafe are equal. The largest in the world is still located at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida in the CityWalk entertainment complex. With large, statuesque pillars, it is basically the Roman Coliseum of rock and boasts more pieces of music memorabilia than any other single location.
The Canadian Niagara Falls one is situated on Falls Avenue Resort right between the Sheraton Fallsview and Casino Niagara and bills itself as “one of the most popular resort dining choices thanks to its extensive food and drink menu and lively rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere.”
The descriptions continues, “The restaurant is rocking a new style with recent renovations that include a new bar and lounge area, state of the art sound system, and a show-stopping piece of artwork; a drum set projected down from the ceiling.”
The restaurant also features Elvis and Beatles inspired dining sections and a Canadian collection of artifacts with pieces from RUSH, Alanis Morissette, Shania Twain and many more notable Canadian and international superstars. It also offers a street level boutique, featuring signature t-shirts, pins, souvenirs, and special merchandise collections designed by popular music artists.
The menu at the Hard Rock is typical roadhouse fare, heavy on the burgers, wings and sandwiches.
The Hard Rock Cafe is located at 5705 Falls Ave in Niagara Falls. Phone: 905-374-5014. Website: https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/niagara-falls-canada Hours are: Friday noon to 10 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm, Sunday-Monday noon to 8 pm and Tuesday through Thursday closed. Hours may change pending lifting to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Hard Rock Cafe at 333 Prospect Street in Niagara Falls, New York is just 1.4 km away from its Niagara Falls, Ontario counterpart.
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