September 19, 20195 yr 1 hour ago, ucgrady said: It's a Hard Rock so you forgot room for a swimming pool (probably with swim up bar and space for a DJ booth). Hopefully its a rooftop pool and amenity deck, that would be unique to downtown Cincinnati right, especially if Millenium gets knocked down? This might sound silly but if the hard Rock hotel does the whole Las Vegas experience with the rooftop pool, spas, ground floor club, etc...I would seriously consider doing a weekend staycation where I book a room at hard Rock just to be able to get drunk and gamble......Hard Rock is usually really good with providing Las Vegas ammenties and atmosphere.
September 20, 20195 yr Its official!! The sale is complete. This is going to have a huge positive impact on the city/downtown in my opinion. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/09/20/jack-cincinnati-casino-sells-for-745-million.html?iana=hpmvp_cinci_news_headline
September 21, 20195 yr Can we change the thread to Hard Rock Casino? Super excites btw. Hard Rock is still IMO such an internationally recognized name. It’s silly, but it’s super exciting to have something like this in cincy!
September 21, 20195 yr On 9/18/2019 at 11:46 AM, GCrites80s said: "Ummm, a hat the dude from AC/DC wore" The last time I was in a Hard Rock Cafe was the Nashville one in 1997 or 1998. Wanna know what hung over the door between two restaurant rooms? An off-white strat signed by...Belly. Like, the band. Not Tanya Donnely, specifically, or someone else in the band, but rather the band, Belly. So who sunk so low that they didn't know the name of anyone in that band so they forged a signature of the band's name? That's like forging Foreigner or Quiet Riot or Presidents of the United States of America. That's how effing lame Hard Rock Cafe is.
September 21, 20195 yr 13 minutes ago, jmecklenborg said: The last time I was in a Hard Rock Cafe was the Nashville one in 1997 or 1998. Wanna know what hung over the door between two restaurant rooms? An off-white strat signed by...Belly. Like, the band. Not Tanya Donnely, specifically, or someone else in the band, but rather the band, Belly. So who sunk so low that they didn't know the name of anyone in that band so they forged a signature of the band's name? That's like forging Foreigner or Quiet Riot or Presidents of the United States of America. That's how effing lame Hard Rock Cafe is. Don't disagree they are lame, but they drive traffic still with the suburban, baby boomer crowd. They have done an excellent job as a casino, resort operator with a unique brand though.
September 21, 20195 yr 22 minutes ago, savadams13 said: Don't disagree they are lame, but they drive traffic still with the suburban, baby boomer crowd. They have done an excellent job as a casino, resort operator with a unique brand though. They definitely drive traffic, I actually like Hard Rock Cafes as a simple casual place to eat Suburban folks will definitely love it. The last one I’ve been to is Orlando at Universal Studios a few years ago, that location is GIANT. Anyway in regards to the Casino it self becoming a HardRock is certainly major. The brand alone is going to drive a lot more traffic and general excitement about the property. Also from the statements it seems we will get the details about renovations/additions by the end of the year. I wonder if they are going to turn the massive casino sign along I-71 into a HUGE GUITAR! Lol Edited September 21, 20195 yr by 646empire Spelling
September 21, 20195 yr 13 minutes ago, 646empire said: They definitely drive traffic, I actually like Hard Rock Cafes as a simple casual place to eat Suburban folks will definitely love it. The last one I’ve been to is Orlando at Universal Studios a few years ago, that location is GIANT. Anyway in regards to the Casino it self becoming a HardRock is certainly major. The brand alone is going to drive a lot more traffic and general excitement about the property. Also from the statements it seems we will get the details about renovations/additions by the end of the year. I wonder if they are going to turn the massive casino sign along I-71 into a HUGE GUITAR! Lol Thought about that and then remember my bitchy old neighbors in Mount Adams will raise such a big stink it will never happen
September 21, 20195 yr 11 hours ago, jmecklenborg said: The last time I was in a Hard Rock Cafe was the Nashville one in 1997 or 1998. Wanna know what hung over the door between two restaurant rooms? An off-white strat signed by...Belly. Like, the band. Not Tanya Donnely, specifically, or someone else in the band, but rather the band, Belly. So who sunk so low that they didn't know the name of anyone in that band so they forged a signature of the band's name? That's like forging Foreigner or Quiet Riot or Presidents of the United States of America. That's how effing lame Hard Rock Cafe is. Yikes.....Are you ever excited about anything? Hard Rock might be, "lame", but they are probably one of the most nationally and internationally known brands...No one knows what the hell Horseshoe/Jack are.
September 21, 20195 yr 1 hour ago, troeros said: Yikes.....Are you ever excited about anything? Hard Rock might be, "lame", but they are probably one of the most nationally and internationally known brands...No one knows what the hell Horseshoe/Jack are. I think The “lame” comment was in reference to HardRock Cafe not the Casino Operations. The Casino brand of HardRock is gold from everything I’ve known and seen in person. As for the “cafe” I don’t think it’s lame at all, it’s a great casual touristy kinda of place that destination cities should have in their pocket for guest who are looking for that kind of thing.
September 21, 20195 yr 32 minutes ago, 646empire said: I think The “lame” comment was in reference to HardRock Cafe not the Casino Operations. The Casino brand of HardRock is gold from everything I’ve known and seen in person. As for the “cafe” I don’t think it’s lame at all, it’s a great casual touristy kinda of place that destination cities should have in their pocket for guest who are looking for that kind of thing. Ah gotcha. I don't think the cafe is lame at all. It's average to slightly above average food that tourists love to flock to. Someone on Facebook on the wlwt news thread about the hard Rock transition saying the hotel will be a, "stilted hotel"...whatever that means?
September 21, 20195 yr The cafe is always going to be associated with middle school trips since that's who wears their clothes everywhere. They make a lot of money off of that though. And yes even if they put up Arctic Monkeys and Billie Eilish merch everywhere Boomers are still going to be tempted to go on about some Woodstock story in there.
September 21, 20195 yr I mean what other international brand does Cincy have? Hard Rock Cafe is equivalent to Apple. People from London to Mexico know what Hard Rock is...Now Hard Rock will have shining lights off 1-71 and people will think wow, Cincy must be a tourist town! Edited September 21, 20195 yr by troeros
September 21, 20195 yr 15 minutes ago, troeros said: I mean what other international brand does Cincy have? Hard Rock Cafe is equivalent to Apple. People from London to Mexico know what Hard Rock is...Now Hard Rock will have shining lights off 1-71 and people will think wow, Cincy must be a tourist town! Equivalent to Apple may be a bit much lol, BUT yes the HardRock brand is definitely global and highly recognized.
September 21, 20195 yr 15 minutes ago, 646empire said: Equivalent to Apple may be a bit much lol, BUT yes the HardRock brand is definitely global and highly recognized. Just in terms of global recognition, most people around the world are aware of the Hard Rock Brand.
September 21, 20195 yr 58 minutes ago, GCrites80s said: The cafe is always going to be associated with middle school trips since that's who wears their clothes everywhere. They make a lot of money off of that though. And yes even if they put up Arctic Monkeys and Billie Eilish merch everywhere Boomers are still going to be tempted to go on about some Woodstock story in there. Yeah, the first time I went to one was on a school trip to Bill Clinton's Inauguration in 1993. We walk in there and the place is empty except for the 90 of us who just unloaded off of 3 charter buses. So after all that hype I'm like...um...this is it?
September 21, 20195 yr 6 minutes ago, troeros said: Just in terms of global recognition, most people around the world are aware of the Hard Rock Brand. True. I just looked at the comments section of WLWTs Facebook page so far over 300 comments and the reactions are generally of high excitement which is good to see.
September 21, 20195 yr 10 minutes ago, 646empire said: True. I just looked at the comments section of WLWTs Facebook page so far over 300 comments and the reactions are generally of high excitement which is good to see. It's always good when surbanites have another reason to visit downtown. Having a brand name like Hard Rock can change the perception just a bit!
September 28, 20195 yr Meanwhile, in Florida... "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 30, 20195 yr https://www.cincinnati.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fmoney%2F2019%2F09%2F30%2Fhard-rock-to-overhaul-jack-casino-by-spring-adding-hard-rock-cafe%2F3819999002%2F Headline mentions the hard Rock Cafe but im not sure if it talks about the hotel. ..anyone a subscriber and can talk about what the article says?
September 30, 20195 yr "Hard Rock is "evaluating" its newly-acquired property and the surrounding market for the potential addition of a hotel in later improvements."
September 30, 20195 yr This is a positive. And a casino is the only appropriate location for a Hard Rock Cafe. Certainly, better than the travesty of putting one of those huge tacky guitars on the historic icon that is Reading Terminal Market:
September 30, 20195 yr What part of that costs $30-50 million? I know the gaming spaces are large but new carpet, new branding and the conversion of Margaritaville to Hard Rock Cafe seems like it would cost maybe $10 million, but going up to a potential $50 million price tag would easily pay for a new hotel on site.
September 30, 20195 yr 22 minutes ago, ucgrady said: What part of that costs $30-50 million? I know the gaming spaces are large but new carpet, new branding and the conversion of Margaritaville to Hard Rock Cafe seems like it would cost maybe $10 million, but going up to a potential $50 million price tag would easily pay for a new hotel on site. 50 million seems a bit high but 10 million for the items listed seems wayyy too low lol. I believe the change of decor is going to be ALOT more dramatic than you and others may be envisioning. Hard Rock is known around the world for its over the top decor at its properties and its gonna cost a pretty penny to deck out that whole casino. I’m thinking 35 million to do it right. Also whats up with the “upgrading seating for indoor concerts”? What area is this?
September 30, 20195 yr 31 minutes ago, 646empire said: 50 million seems a bit high but 10 million for the items listed seems wayyy too low lol. I believe the change of decor is going to be ALOT more dramatic than you and others may be envisioning. Hard Rock is known around the world for its over the top decor at its properties and its gonna cost a pretty penny to deck out that whole casino. I’m thinking 35 million to do it right. Also whats up with the “upgrading seating for indoor concerts”? What area is this? Yeah I was picturing new carpet and wall-covering and then renovating the restaurant and getting new signage throughout which is where my $10 million guess came from. The only area I have seen concerts or comedy shows is in the upstairs of the casino so that would be the only thing I can think of, but it has flat floors and is really a conference room type space.
September 30, 20195 yr I'm curious about this indoor theater as well? What area of the casino is this? And based off this article it does seem Hard Rock is pretty aggressive towards the desire of being the top dog in the Ohio casino race. I imagine a hotel would probably prove more beneficial towards that goal.
September 30, 20195 yr 1 hour ago, 646empire said: 50 million seems a bit high but 10 million for the items listed seems wayyy too low lol. I believe the change of decor is going to be ALOT more dramatic than you and others may be envisioning. Hard Rock is known around the world for its over the top decor at its properties and its gonna cost a pretty penny to deck out that whole casino. I’m thinking 35 million to do it right. Also whats up with the “upgrading seating for indoor concerts”? What area is this? That still seems like alot money, unless they plan on doing a giant branded Hard Rock guitar off of 1-71 lol. I'm curious how much it would typically cost for the hard Rock hotel to be built, considering they already own the land.
September 30, 20195 yr 2 hours ago, savadams13 said: Cincinnati is finally on the map. You can now get a Hard Rock Café Cincinnati T- Shirt. Take that Niagara Falls and Branson.
October 1, 20195 yr 3 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said: Cincinnati is finally on the map. You can now get a Hard Rock Café Cincinnati T- Shirt. Take that Niagara Falls and Branson. Now we need our Olde Spaghetti Factory back.
October 1, 20195 yr Some Reddit comments that stuck out... Quote They will build one. They have said in meetings that their plan is a hotel, cafe, more outside music venues, carpet, decor, revamp buffet, and more back room stuff. WDo not plan for ground to break for at least 2 years. JACK didnt do anything to the property cause they been gutting the f*ck out of it and not putting back. They had $450k worth of carpet in the basement and did nothing with it. They took back up to Cleveland once the sale was final. They told ya the horseshoes were just "C's" for casino. Hard Rock wants to make this place pop. We are very excited. Source : I work there Also the bolded part was interesting My understanding is that there was an agreement between the Casino and the City that they would not build a hotel for a set number of years (a concession to existing hotels downtown). I imagine that as soon as that agreement is over, they’ll build. I’m told they have an option on the parking lot across the street. Is this true? Does the casino have an option on the big parking lot across the casino? Edited October 1, 20195 yr by troeros
October 1, 20195 yr 15 minutes ago, troeros said: Some Reddit comments that stuck out... Also the bolded part was interesting Is this true? Does the casino have an option on the big parking lot across the casino? Ive heard only bad things about Jacks management of Cincinnati’s casino, I’m thrilled they are out of the picture!!!!!!
October 1, 20195 yr I've always heard it would go in the turnaround on the Court Street side of the building. I think the casino prohibited a hotel for 5 years after the casino opened. So they could build as early as 2017. Given the reputation for Jack, I can tell why they didn't bother. Hard Rock wants a hotel. It's part of their schtick. “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
October 1, 20195 yr ...and by hotel, you mean... "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 1, 20195 yr Do we think that with the addition of Hard Rock investment in the casino property plus a hotel, that we will finally see investment around this area? Those lots have been their for such a long time...A part of me wonders if the jail puts a large smudge on developers who want to build Luxery condos but are afraid that this will deter those who don't want to live next to a jail.
October 1, 20195 yr 4 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: ...and by hotel, you mean... That would be amazing, but isn't this hotel located in FL which is Hard Rocks HQ location? Most of the hotels are sort of bland, squat and has some poppy hard Rock logo branding and colors. I am curious as to why most hard Rock casinos and hotels are typically in small random cities. Aside from Las Vegas/Vancouver the Hard Rock Brand doesn't really have a presence in bigger cities for whatever reason.
October 1, 20195 yr 4 minutes ago, troeros said: That would be amazing, but isn't this hotel located in FL which is Hard Rocks HQ location? Most of the hotels are sort of bland, squat and has some poppy hard Rock logo branding and colors. I am curious as to why most hard Rock casinos and hotels are typically in small random cities. Aside from Las Vegas/Vancouver the Hard Rock Brand doesn't really have a presence in bigger cities for whatever reason. They have a great mix of markets of all sizes. Including Atlantic City, Sacramento and Tampa. They also have an impressive portfolio of international locations. It’s important to kind of separate the casino/hotel from the cafe also, of course (Cincinnati is getting a nice combo). There are plenty of Hard Rock Cafes in cities of all sizes including NYC. Casinos are a trickier thing when your competing with giants like MGM you have to be smart and selective.
October 1, 20195 yr 25 minutes ago, troeros said: Do we think that with the addition of Hard Rock investment in the casino property plus a hotel, that we will finally see investment around this area? Those lots have been their for such a long time...A part of me wonders if the jail puts a large smudge on developers who want to build Luxery condos but are afraid that this will deter those who don't want to live next to a jail. Do a lot of young people say "Gee, I want to live next to the casino?" Condos aren't getting built in today's lending environment. Even Buzz the Overpaid Boomer and his uncle Bob From Mason aren't going to leave their suburban outposts for spots next to the casino no matter how much money and time they spend in it. Edited October 1, 20195 yr by GCrites80s
October 1, 20195 yr 6 minutes ago, GCrites80s said: Do a lot of young people say "Gee, I want to live next to the casino?" Condos aren't getting built in today's lending environment. Even Buzz the Overpaid Boomer and his uncle Bob From Mason aren't going to leave their suburban outposts for spots next to the casino no matter how much money and time they spend in it. I don't really see Hard Rock as a suburban oriented casino though...I might be off, but I've always seen hard Rock as an entertainment brand..there hotels have rooftop pools, clubs on the ground floor, there casinos are quality, and the hard Rock Cafe has always been associated with being a highly visited tourist city. I read alot of the Facebook comments and I was surprised by how many people were excited and how many comments were staying "Cincinnati finally made it". I feel like the isn't just a simple upgraded casino, but a premiere, internationally recognized entertainment brand. Probably the biggest brand to land in Cincy urban core since I've been alive.
October 1, 20195 yr They are really looking at the parking lot plot behind the parking garage. That used to be employee parking but is now used for daytime downtown employees. Again from a Reddit casino employee. Thoughts?
October 1, 20195 yr 9 hours ago, troeros said: I don't really see Hard Rock as a suburban oriented casino though...I might be off, but I've always seen hard Rock as an entertainment brand..there hotels have rooftop pools, clubs on the ground floor, there casinos are quality, and the hard Rock Cafe has always been associated with being a highly visited tourist city. I read alot of the Facebook comments and I was surprised by how many people were excited and how many comments were staying "Cincinnati finally made it". I feel like the isn't just a simple upgraded casino, but a premiere, internationally recognized entertainment brand. Probably the biggest brand to land in Cincy urban core since I've been alive. My "Cincinnati has made it" comments are more tongue n cheek. Getting a Hard Rock used to be a status symbol, now, half of the original locations have closed and gone out of business, the excitement has worn off. Back in the 80s, wearing a Hard Rock t-Shirt around, especially for a kid, was almost a badge of pride, like you have been somewhere and were in the cool club. I remember in the 90s when the Cleveland Hard Rock opened, it was a huge deal for the city for months. However, once it did open, it was much more of a thud as it was not much different than most other restaurants that served overpriced bar food.
October 1, 20195 yr 4 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said: My "Cincinnati has made it" comments are more tongue n cheek. Getting a Hard Rock used to be a status symbol, now, half of the original locations have closed and gone out of business, the excitement has worn off. Back in the 80s, wearing a Hard Rock t-Shirt around, especially for a kid, was almost a badge of pride, like you have been somewhere and were in the cool club. I remember in the 90s when the Cleveland Hard Rock opened, it was a huge deal for the city for months. However, once it did open, it was much more of a thud as it was not much different than most other restaurants that served overpriced bar food. Maybe, but I still see kids wear hard Rock t-shirts (it was a hard Rock Detroit shirt I just recently saw) quite often... Also, Hard Rock was in the headlines for almost a month straight for there new Guitar Shaped FL hotel. Maybe the brand has diminished a bit since the early 90's, but I still think the brand as a whole still holds weight. Also, I remember when the Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland closed. I remember quite a large number of members on urban ohio forum who were quoted as saying it was a huge blow to downtowns Cleveland dining scene...as many of them noted, it captured the interests of tourists even if it may not have been the best dining option in Cleveland.
October 1, 20195 yr 9 hours ago, troeros said: I don't really see Hard Rock as a suburban oriented casino though...I might be off, but I've always seen hard Rock as an entertainment brand..there hotels have rooftop pools, clubs on the ground floor, there casinos are quality, and the hard Rock Cafe has always been associated with being a highly visited tourist city. I read alot of the Facebook comments and I was surprised by how many people were excited and how many comments were staying "Cincinnati finally made it". I feel like the isn't just a simple upgraded casino, but a premiere, internationally recognized entertainment brand. Probably the biggest brand to land in Cincy urban core since I've been alive. Why would you ever do that?
October 1, 20195 yr 1 minute ago, troeros said: Maybe, but I still see kids wear hard Rock t-shirts (it was a hard Rock Detroit shirt I just recently saw) quite often... Also, Hard Rock was in the headlines for almost a month straight for there new Guitar Shaped FL hotel. Maybe the brand has diminished a bit since the early 90's, but I still think the brand as a whole still holds weight. Also, I remember when the Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland closed. I remember quite a large number of members on urban ohio forum who were quoted as saying it was a huge blow to downtowns Cleveland dining scene...as many of them noted, it captured the interests of tourists even if it may not have been the best dining option in Cleveland. I think the Hard Rock Brand, especially casino is still significant. Believe me, I am excited about this change. If they build a nice hotel, it Is a great addition. The stand alone café model has gotten stale and overbuilt, but there are only 12 casinos in the world with the Hard Rock name, so that still means something. They have to make it unique though. It would be a shame if they build a 5 story box hotel that does nothing to stand out. Do what they did in Tampa and make something that is architecturally significant. The Cleveland location was a bit of a head scratcher for me. It was in Tower City, but on the far end and really had nothing else near it, at least on the street level side. I ate there a couple times when I lived up there and it was underwhelming for the most part.
October 1, 20195 yr Just now, Cincy513 said: Why would you ever do that? Because they are almost always negative and I get amusement about how people in Clermont County are so terrified of downtown. Apperantly even Jack Casino is shady and unsafe because of rampent agressive homeless crack addicts who sleep in the casino parking garage lol
October 2, 20195 yr 20 hours ago, troeros said: They are really looking at the parking lot plot behind the parking garage. That used to be employee parking but is now used for daytime downtown employees. Again from a Reddit casino employee. Thoughts? Looking at a map, that parking lot would give the hotel the most amount of space and best highway visibility, which is probably what they want. The big downside is it would lack interior access to the casino... the only way they would get that is by building where the circle is now, as was mentioned before. What would be nice to imagine is if the casino actually did good urban development, bought up the surface lots directly south of it and developed them out. Instead of the casino being what it is, the most suburban possible casino on acres of prime real estate downtown. I personally hope Hard Rock jumps the shark and taps into Cincy's Hustler Hollywood roots. Let's gets some mega strip club / sex shop / porn studio in the casino with the hotel lol. Then I'd probably be a fan of the place.
October 2, 20195 yr 1 hour ago, SWOH said: Looking at a map, that parking lot would give the hotel the most amount of space and best highway visibility, which is probably what they want. The big downside is it would lack interior access to the casino... the only way they would get that is by building where the circle is now, as was mentioned before. What would be nice to imagine is if the casino actually did good urban development, bought up the surface lots directly south of it and developed them out. Instead of the casino being what it is, the most suburban possible casino on acres of prime real estate downtown. I personally hope Hard Rock jumps the shark and taps into Cincy's Hustler Hollywood roots. Let's gets some mega strip club / sex shop / porn studio in the casino with the hotel lol. Then I'd probably be a fan of the place. I am sure they would build a skywalk if they built a hotel across the street.
October 2, 20195 yr 28 minutes ago, Brutus_buckeye said: I am sure they would build a skywalk if they built a hotel across the street. I don't think they own the land across the street... the employee surface parking lot is separated from the casino by the parking garage... idk because I've never been in that parking garage but maybe they would be able to build out a hallway or some kind of connection in it?
October 2, 20195 yr On 9/30/2019 at 10:21 PM, troeros said: Do we think that with the addition of Hard Rock investment in the casino property plus a hotel, that we will finally see investment around this area? When the casino was built, there was a lot of speculation in both directions. Some people claimed that it would bring crime and prostitution to Downtown, and that Reading Road would become lined with pawn shops. Other people predicted that there would drive a huge amount of traffic to other destinations downtown, with people going to the casino and then checking out other things in OTR or Downtown. That, also, did not really happen. For the most part, people are not spending a Saturday going to Findlay Market and then gambling at the casino; or gambling and then going to LouVino on Main for dinner. Most of the casino visitors drive in to the parking garage, go inside to gamble and maybe eat at one of the restaurants, and then get back in their car and drive home. The only thing that will really change is that Hard Rock Cafe will be more of a destination than any of the restaurants the casino has now. But I think it will still be a drive-in/drive-out destination and not have much impact on the surrounding area. Maybe once the hotel is built, you will have a little more spillover, with people crossing the street and eating at Nation or Boomtown, but that's about all the impact I expect.
October 2, 20195 yr ^ While still a Casino and designed to discourage foot traffic, I will say that the one thing they did to the neighborhood was open up the main entrance on Reading facing the Pendleton neighborhood and not completely closing off to street life in that area. While the majority will still be In and out car customers, there is hope that if the hotel is done right, it could add some additional street presence.
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