It has been 25 years since the rock memorabilia and live music-driven Hard Rock Café dropped anchor in Center City Philadelphia. The Philly Hard Rock, at 1113 Market Street, since that time, has become a totem for conventioneers, tourists, office workers, and locals alike looking for big burgers, tall cocktails, live music and memorabilia from The Who, the Rolling Stones and more.
And now, to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Hard Rock Café has booked Philly favorites Boyz II Men to perform a special show on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
“We’ve been focusing on partnerships with celebrities, bringing back live music – especially local bands and musicians to each Café – and updating our menus and décor since Covid,” explains Hard Rock Café, Casinos and Hotels’ Sharon Jamilkowski.
Hard Rock Café Philadelphia has partnered with the local podcast 4th and Jawn, and is working with local music bookers to get straight to the heart of its live scene—including a monthly Friday residency with local ‘America’s Got Talent’ star Camille Cane —as well as dolling up its décor with local celebrity memorabilia from the likes of Doylestown’s Pink.
“It is hard to believe that Hard Rock has been in the Philly market for a quarter of a century,” says Jamilkowski. “That location has always been special as it is in the old Reading Terminal and we try and keep the infrastructure of the Terminal while adding our Hard Rock flair. Next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, as it is, means that we get people from all-walks-of life and area of the country as well as downtown Philly office workers, area locals, and tourists – all of whom we make sure enjoy their time at Hard Rock Café.”
Along with celebrating a new kitchen, new menu and a refreshed Philly-based memorabilia landscape this week, Hard Rock will host Philly harmonists Boyz II Men – vocalists Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanyá Morris – to perform for the Café’s 25th anniversary.
“We’re hoping to get Boyz II Men to donate some of their own memorabilia to our new walls,” says Jamilkowski. “Motownphilly” is the ultimate local shoutout, and they are the epitome of success and soul when it comes to Philadelphia artistry. They are the perfect example of local music, and musicians who always give back to their community. We at Hard Rock admire them immensely.”
Jamilkowski is proud of the Hard Rock Café’s location and its melding of history and contemporary cultures on Market Street.
“Between the music and the legacy and staying in touch with local charities such as Camden’s Cathedral Kitchens, Philly’s Hard Rock Café has it all.”
