A self-described 'raving Marxist,' Tigrett became legendary for his flamboyance and recklessness, renowned for being an eccentric figure who played the principle role in many of the titillating stories composing Hard Rock Cafe lore.

Morton was later described as aloof, reserved, and a 'business-first businessman,' personality traits that initially complemented and then later butted against Tigrett's impulsiveness. Outside of youth and family wealth, Tigrett and Morton had little in common. The story of Hard Rock's growth took on a contentious flavor early. The excitement generated by the first cafe, an opening that quickly drew queues of patrons eager to take part in the Hard Rock Cafe's carnival-like atmosphere, was duplicated with each additional opening of restaurants in other cities and other countries, becoming, if anything, more intense, as the restaurants themselves became grander and earned the reputation as popular gathering spots for celebrities. As a restaurateur, Morton was immediately successful, but his first venture was all but forgotten after he hooked up with Tigrett. Morton came from a wealthy and venerable Chicago restaurant family, a heritage he tapped into when he opened The Great American Disaster, an American-style restaurant located in Chelsea, London. Tigrett, son of a wealthy Tennessee financier named John Burton Tigrett, had moved to England with his family at age 15, attended private school in Lugano, Switzerland, and then later spent his days in London selling used Rolls Royces to Americans. They were only 22 years old at the time, and they selected Park Lane in London's fashionable Mayfair district as the site of their 'Hard Rock Cafe.' The decor and menu contrasted sharply with the lavish hotels lining posh Park Lane, where strictly enforced dress codes were the norm, and hamburgers, milk shakes, and the music of the Rolling Stones most certainly were not. Two young Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton-who were the quintessential odd couple-borrowed money from their parents to open a quirky restaurant. The popularity of the Hard Rock Cafes grew exponentially from the inception of the first cafe on June 14, 1971, in London. With more than 104 restaurants in 36 countries, as well as three hotel complexes, and the successful 'Hard Rock Live!' television concerts series, the Hard Rock name nearly 30 years later represented a powerful and enduring brand, and a business that was still a dominant force in its industry. Separated by a bitter dispute, the founders later sold their interests and left Rank to put the pieces together. The Rank Group PLC subsidiary was founded in London in 1971 by Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton. has enjoyed a stellar success that has brought forth several like-minded competitors, including Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Café, and the House of Blues. Without rival for years, themed restaurant phenomenon Hard Rock Cafe International, Inc.

Cafe international restaurant