The business — known for its 35-foot tall neon guitar, rock n’ roll memorabilia, beer and hamburgers — will close March 27, when its lease expires. A company executive confirmed the closure but could not comment further.
Business has been difficult the past few years for the restaurant chain, an iconic brand worldwide. And in the capital region, the dismal economy coupled with the low-performing mall proved a recipe for failure.
Hard Rock opened its Sacramento restaurant in 1997, basically at the height of the then fast-growing chain. But the Orlando-based company has battled the recession, like many others nationwide. However, Hard Rock recently opened a restaurant in Seattle and has plans for another in Los Angeles this summer.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has challenged Westfield to greatly improve Downtown Plaza or sell the mall. Westfield, which has lost numerous tenants during the past five years, says it would consider offers for the shopping center.
