MUMBAI: Hard Rock International, one of the world’s most iconic brands, today announced a strategic alliance with Paper City Development LLC., to develop and manage a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Holyoke, Massachusetts pursuant to the proposed legislation to bring gaming to Massachusetts. The proposed Hard Rock project, slated for the 100-acre Wyckoff Country Club site off Interstate 91, is expected to generate more than $100 million in gaming taxes for Massachusetts annually.
“We are thrilled to be working with Paper City Development to bring the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand to Massachusetts,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “We are planning a state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of non-gaming amenities that will provide a world-class entertainment experience unique to the region. The project will complement the local community and its surroundings, as well as rival any property in the world, making the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Holyoke one of the top entertainment destinations in the country. As part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino family, Holyoke will have the opportunity to be included in an international network of cities including London, Moscow, New York and Singapore, who proudly carry the Hard Rock flag.”
“Hard Rock is a terrific partner with an unmatched track record in hospitality around the globe,” said Joseph Lashinger, Managing Partner of Paper City Development LLC. “Hard Rock will benefit the local community and state by creating thousands of new permanent jobs, increasing out-of-state tourism, and improving area infrastructure. This project will generate a financial impact that only a global company of its kind could bring to the area. Hard Rock’s 40-year history, vast experience and unique commitment to philanthropy made them a perfect partner for this project.”
Hard Rock International, which operates a Hard Rock Cafe Boston outside of Faneuil Hall, is committed to local and global charities, donating millions of dollars annually to organizations including WHY Hunger and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Locally, the Boston cafe supports a number of organizations including Music Drives Us, Autism Speaks, Boston for Africa, Boston Bruins Foundation and more.
Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock’s current Hotel and Casino properties include two of the most successful resort casinos in the United States, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, both in Florida. Recent expansion has brought the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand to Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic with plans for three new all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico announced in October 2011. Hard Rock also has Hotel and Casino properties in Macau, Las Vegas and Biloxi, as well as a portfolio of standalone hotels and destination resorts operating throughout North America and Asia.