Dining, Promotions
August 6, 2025

Hard Rock Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Named Finalist in 2025 Hard Rock World Burger Tour Competition

Thaddeus Bullard wearing Hard Rock Cafe shirt with Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's Clash of the Titus Burger

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Today, Hard Rock Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa was named as one of five finalists for Hard Rock International’s annual World Burger Tour competition. Hard Rock Cafe chefs from around the globe were challenged to develop culturally-inspired, unique burger recipes and were mentored by chef, content creator and brand partner Olivia Tiedemann to finesse their delicious creations.

Guests, burger lovers and travelers alike can now experience a world tour by simply visiting their nearest Hard Rock Cafe, including Hard Rock Cafe at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, to try the top five finalists in the World Burger Tour. Each burger has been influenced by authentic local flavors that represent Hard Rock’s diverse cafe and hotel destinations.

The 2025 World Burger Tour finalists are:

  • Clash of the Titus Burger from Hard Rock Cafe Tampa, located inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
    • 2 Smashed Burger Patties | Smoked Gouda Cheese | Bacon Jam | Garlic Aioli | Crispy Shoestring Onions | Sliced Avocado | Bacon Jalapeños | Served with Seasoned Fries
  • Basilico Burger from Hard Rock Cafe Milan
    • 2 Smashed Burger Patties | Provolone Cheese | Roasted Roma Tomatoes | Herb Aioli | Leaf Lettuce | Fresh Basil | Served with Seasoned Fries
  • Condal Burger from Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona
    • 2 Smashed Burger Patties | Manchego Cheese | Smoked Paprika Spicy Mayo | Chorizo Jam | Bacon | BBQ Sauce | Pickles | Served with Seasoned Fries
  • Sweet & Smokey Burger from Hard Rock Cafe New York
    • 2 Smashed Burger Patties | Fried Cheesecake Bite | Monterey Jack Cheese | Bacon | Garlic Aioli | House-Made BBQ Sauce | Smokey Onion Frizzles | Served with Seasoned Fries
  • Budapest Burger from Hard Rock Cafe Budapest
    • 2 Smashed Burger Patties | Pulled Pork | House-Made Plum Jam | Cheddar Cheese | Truffle Mayonnaise | Arugula | Served with Seasoned Fries

"The burgers these Hard Rock Cafe chefs have curated are seriously impressive. Each one has two smashed patties (my favorite way to make a burger!) and creates this amazing flavor experience that's both satisfying and totally unexpected—visitors will love them," said Olivia Tiedemann.

These top five smashed burgers received the most orders for their fun ingredients and creative twists on traditional recipes, earning each its place on Hard Rock Cafe menus worldwide before the ultimate winning burger is crowned on September 5th.

The Clash of The Titus burger was created in collaboration with Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Legend Titus O’Neil, and George Kaydea, Chef de Cuisine of Hard Rock Cafe Tampa. The burger gives a sweet, savory and spicy kick.

“We’re delighted to bring our guests on a culinary journey to experience global flavors from various Hard Rock Cafes and talented chefs from around the world,” said Joseph Wagner, Vice President & Assistant General Manager of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Thaddeus Bullard is an accomplished athlete, global entertainer, philanthropist and author. Through his Bullard Family Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, he’s transforming Tampa into an innovative education and community hub to create lasting generational change. 

“It's no surprise to me that Clash of the Titus burger has made it to the World Burger Tour finals,” said Thaddeus Bullard. “It’s always a pleasure working with the entire team at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and I look forward to winning the competition. We are Champa Bay after all!”

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About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is central Florida’s premier gaming, entertainment, and hospitality destination. Owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the fully integrated AAA Four-Diamond-rated resort features an expansive casino with nearly 5,230 of the hottest slot machines and over 165 table games, including live blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and more. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of wagering at dozens of retail sports betting locations, with both electronic kiosks and staffed betting windows. A 46-table Poker Room, smoke-free Mezzanine Level Casino, as well as exclusive High-Limit and VIP areas complete the state-of-the-art gaming options. The luxury resort provides an elevated getaway experience with over 800 smoke-free guest rooms across two hotel towers, a sprawling 60,000-square-foot pool deck boasting three pools and 19 private cabanas, and more premium amenities such as the rejuvenating Rock Spa® & Salon. Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary scene spanning 15 food and beverage offerings, including the award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, The Rez Grill, Cipresso, and guest favorites Fresh Harvest Buffet and Hard Rock Cafe. Home to world-class entertainment, the resort showcases near-nightly live performances and a 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event Center hosting top-tier entertainers and musicians in an intimate, up-close atmosphere. The brand’s iconic music heritage is celebrated throughout the resort with unique memorabilia and artwork paying homage to some of the world's most renowned contemporary musical artists. As one of Tampa Bay’s largest employers with nearly 4,300 team members, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is conveniently located near the intersection of I-4 and I-75, at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 866-502-PLAY, visit us online  and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.

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.