The best Hard Rock café in the world

Hard Rock Café Malta has beaten its franchise counterparts worldwide to win the 2007 Worldwide Franchise Café of the Year Award, considered to be an "impressive" achievement for the Maltese team.

The award positioned Malta on the international map, being proof of the quality of the Maltese workers and the level the local Hard Rock catering establishments, said HRC director Arthur Gauci.

The award is based on quality, service and performance, he said. The "double satisfaction" lay in the fact that Hard Rock Café Malta was competing against cities such as London and Barcelona, which were established and had a massive market. Malta was the only country to have three Hard Rock outlets: two bars - at the airport and the Valletta Waterfront - and one café.

It is not, however, the first award to be won by HRC Malta, Mr Gauci pointed out. Twice since it opened seven years ago, the Maltese team managed to win the worldwide Top of the Rock Award from among 125 cafés worldwide - in August 2004 and June 2007.

The Malta franchise received the award at a ceremony in Hollywood, Florida, where Hard Rock International hosted its 2007 annual Worldwide Leadership Conference at the company's flagship hotel and casino property.

Hard Rock Café Malta now has a series of events lined up to commemorate the achievement. These include the 2008 Ambassadors of Rock competition, in collaboration with Hard Rock Café International, Pepsi Max and Bay Radio, whereby the winner and a guest have the opportunity of experiencing the festival Hard Rock Calling from June 28 in London's Hyde Park.

Hard Rock International includes 125 cafés and nine hotels and casinos in 48 countries. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe.