Dubai, UAE, June 13, 2025 – Tomorrow, Hard Rock Cafe will kick off its annual World Burger Tour competition in celebration of Hard Rock International Founders’ Day. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the world were challenged to develop unique burger creations that showcase elements from their regional cultures and personal taste. These innovative recipes will be available exclusively for guests to try, including the Desert Halloumi Burger at Hard Rock Cafe Dubai from June 14 through August 5. For example, guests at Hard Rock Cafe Rome can choose the Lasagna Burger with Ragu Bolognese and bechamel, those visiting Atlantic City can try the Jersey Shore Burger that features a house-made blueberry maple aioli and provolone.
Desert Halloumi Burger developed by Chef Iqbal at Hard Rock Cafe Dubai is made with fresh steak burger seasoned and seared with our signature spice blend, topped wit house-made date chutney, crispy fried Halloumi cheese, herb and garlic aioli and fresh mix of arugula, onion and tomato and is inspired by Middle Eastern cultural heritage.
This year’s competition marks an exciting first for Hard Rock, with the addition of chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann as both a mentor and judge. She has worked closely with participating chefs throughout the competition, sharing her culinary expertise and burger-crafting techniques to help elevate each recipe.
“Working with these talented chefs from around the world has been incredibly fun. Each one brought such passion and creativity to their recipes, and I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with their unique local influences and personal stories,” said Olivia Tiedemann.
Based on Tiedemann’s input, sales performance and guests’ votes on social media, the top five burger recipes will be selected and announced later this summer. Then the five finalists will become available at Hard Rock Cafe locations globally for all fans to experience for a limited time before one final winner is selected.
“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity, and our guests get to try our new burger inspired by Middle Eastern cultural heritage for a limited time,” said Vatche Yacoubian General Manager, Hard Rock Cafe Dubai.
The first Hard Rock Cafe at Old Park Lane in London opened on June 14, 1971. Launching this competition on Founders’ Day celebrates how the brand has evolved over 54 years into an iconic entertainment, hospitality and lifestyle company with more than 300 Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops, Hotels, Resorts and Casinos worldwide.
Visit our cafe at Dubai Festival City Mall location to participate.
Media Contact
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About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity™ by Hard Rock global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties.
HRI has received numerous industry, destination and workplace awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About Olivia Tiedemann
Olivia Tiedemann is a chef and content creator based in Austin. After attending culinary school and cooking in restaurants, Olivia began work as a private chef in the Hamptons where she garnered a large online global audience through her elevated dishes, impeccable plating, and signature dry sense of humor. Her unique style of showing both the food and the process of her cooking, combined with her carefully curated music selection has pioneered a new editing trend online and amassed her millions of followers. Olivia has collaborated with celebrity chefs, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the TODAY show, and has been featured in Sandwich Magazine, Business Insider, Forbes 30 Under 30, and more.