Uncertainty now surrounds Hard Rock’s proposal to build a casino in New York City, with the firm likely to face difficulties in the bidding process due to its Russian ties.
Under an executive order issued by Gov. Kathy Hochul last year, state agencies in New York are prohibited from entering into agreements with entities conducting any commercial activity in Russia or transacting business with the Russian government.
Hard Rock Among Firms Still Doing Business in Russia
According to Yale University’s School of Management, Hard Rock is one of 237 firms continuing business as usual in Russia. The company has been listed under the Grade: F category – entities defying demands for exit or reduction of activities.
A Hard Rock franchise restaurant in Moscow closed months ago, the company recently confirmed, but a second one, located in St. Petersburg, is still operating, though the independent owner of the property agreed to terminate operations on March 13, according to a statement from Hard Rock.
Hard Rock Campaigned for Kathy Hochul
It was previously unveiled that Hard Rock was partnering with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen for a casino project near CitiField in Willets Point, Queens. Hard Rock supported Gov. Kathy Hochul when she ran for re-election in November 2022 and contributed at least $100,000 to her campaign.
