The musically themed U.S. franchise Hard Rock Café will open the first of two planned locations in Costa Rica at the Ramada Plaza Herradura Hotel and International Conference Center in Ciudad Cariari, northwest of San José, the daily La Nación reported. Construction on the $2 million venue is set to begin in January, with the restaurant expected to open in October 2012.
Another Hard Rock will be built in Guanacaste, in the northwest part of the country, though the exact location has not yet been announced.
The restaurants typically feature Americana such as instruments autographed by famous musicians or photos of concerts.
The first Hard Rock Café opened in 1971 in London, England. The franchise has more than 163 restaurants in more than 50 countries, including France, Malaysia and Lebanon. Latin America locations include Panama, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
Chain restaurants are on the rise on the country. Costa Rica will also be getting its third Hooters in the upcoming year. The latest Hooters will be built in Plaza Bratsi in Heredia, north of the capital, with a $1 million investment. Last year a Hooters opened in the eastern suburb of Sabanilla. The first Hooters can be found in Escazú, west of San José.
The Spanish chain Fiebres x el Fútbol opened its first Latin America location in Escazú earlier this year.
