Let’s get ready to Freddie! Hard Rock International is kicking off its annual celebration of the life and music of the legendary Freddie Mercury by hosting “Freddie for a Week” from Thursday, September 5, 2019 — Freddie Mercury’s birthday — through Thursday, September 12, 2019. In honor of the iconic frontman, Hard Rock Cafe® locations around the world will offer a limited-time, Freddie-inspired milkshake and exclusive merchandise that benefits The Mercury Phoenix Trust, a UK charity created in memory of Freddie Mercury by Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor together with their manager Jim Beach to support the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Throughout the week, Hard Rock Cafe locations will be rocking in Freddie’s honor with various themed events taking place for fans of all ages to come and celebrate.
Fans can head to Hard Rock® to dig into a Freddie’s Mustache Milkshake, a new limited-time menu item that will have everyone screaming “I want it all and I want it now”. This Freddie-inspired milkshake combines bourbon and dark rum with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce before being topped with white chocolate whipped cream and an iconic chocolate brownie mustache. The Instagram-worthy milkshake will also be available in a non-alcoholic version for fans of all ages to enjoy.
Guests looking to “break free” and look like the legend himself can purchase a wearable Freddie mustache in-restaurant or within and Rock Shop® at participating Hard Rock Cafe locations while supplies last. Those trying to celebrate while wearing Freddie-inspired merchandise can stop by their favorite Rock Shop or visit https://shop.hardrock.com to purchase limited-edition t-shirts and a pin that features an iconic image of Freddie on stage.
“We are thrilled to extend our annual celebration that honors Freddie Mercury’s memory as a legendary singer, songwriter and record producer by hosting ‘Freddie for a Week’ at Cafe locations worldwide,” said Stephen K. Judge, President of Cafe Operations for Hard Rock International. “Our unique offerings inspired by the legendary Freddie Mercury provide an opportunity to give back to The Mercury Phoenix Trust in support of their philanthropic efforts and honor the mottos Hard Rock® was founded on such as, ‘Love All – Serve All,’ ‘Take Time to Be Kind’ and ‘All is One’.”
The 2019 “Freddie for a Week” marks the seventh year Hard Rock Cafe and The Mercury Phoenix Trust have partnered to host this celebration, and the first time that it will extend for a full week.
“The Mercury Phoenix Trust is committed to honoring Freddie’s memory, and we are thrilled to continue our enduring relationship with Hard Rock to celebrate Freddie’s life and music,” said Claudia Walker, Head of The Mercury Phoenix Trust. “Seeing the success of the ‘Freddie for a Day’ initiative over the past several years has been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to raising funds to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and fight AIDS worldwide with this year’s ‘Freddie for a Week’.”
Visit www.hardrockcafe.com for additional details on “Freddie for a Week” and local market events. Those looking to dine at Hard Rock Cafe can find their local Cafe and make a reservation by visiting www.hardrockcafe.com/locations.aspx. To purchase Hard Rock Cafe merchandise, visit the online Rock Shop at https://shop.hardrock.com. For additional information on the Hard Rock Cafe brand, visit www.hardrockcafe.com/.
About Hard Rock®:
With venues in 74 countries, including 188 Hard Rock Cafes, 240 Rock Shops®, 29 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s most valuable collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise available in global Rock Shops and online at https://shop.hardrock.com. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands including Hard Rock Live performance venues. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes known for their award-winning Legendary ® Steak Burgers in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company’s two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida. Another exciting Hotel & Casino location includes Atlantic City. Hard Rock Hotels are located in vibrant city and resort destinations such as Bali, Cancun, Daytona Beach, Desaru Coast, Ibiza, London, Los Cabos, Orlando and Shenzhen. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Kathmandu, Nepal, Gran Canaria, Spain, New Castle, United Kingdom, Asuncion, Paraguay, and Chandigarh, India. New Hard Rock Hotel, Casino or Hotel & Casino projects include Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Dublin, Madrid, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Sacramento, Dalian and Haikou in China. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. In 2019, Hard Rock International was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s America’s Best Large Employers, Forbes Magazine’s Top Employers for Women and No. 1 in J.D. Power’s 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study among Upper Upscale Hotel Chains. For more information on Hard Rock International visit www.hardrock.com.
About The Mercury Phoenix Trust
The Mercury Phoenix Trust was founded in 1992 by Brian May, Roger Taylor and their manager Jim Beach in memory of rock band Queen’s iconic lead singer FREDDIE MERCURY who died in 1991 from AIDS related causes. In the last 27 years the Trust has given away over 17 million dollars in his name and funded over 1000 mainly grassroots projects in the global battle against HIV/AIDS. For more information on the Mercury Phoenix Trust visit: www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com.
