Mecca was then purchased by the Rank Organisation in 1990. At the end of 1989, Mecca Leisure acquired Pleasurama. For Pleasurama, Earl acquired control of Hard Rock Cafe International (eastern rights company) from co-founder Isaac Tigrett then in 1989 named as chief executive of the company. In 1987, he sold this restaurant group (President Entertainments 70 restaurants) to a larger company, Pleasurama PLC. Robert Earl had a history of opening theme-restaurants first in Britain (1970s) and in Orlando, Florida. Further celebrity endorsement included actors Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Don Johnson, Cindy Crawford, Melanie Griffith, Tom Arnold, Wesley Snipes, and Danny Glover director John Hughes and comedian Roseanne Barr and The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. The actors recruited were paid for their appearances and endorsements through an employee stock ownership plan. It was launched in New York City on October 22, 1991, with the backing of Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. Earl Enterprises was founded by Robert Earl. The company is owned by Earl Enterprises corporation. (stylized as planet Hollywood, planet Hollywood observatory and ph) is a themed restaurant chain inspired by the popular portrayal of Hollywood.
