More than 1,000 people lined up at the Hollywood and Highland Center Monday afternoon to apply for 215 openings at the new Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, which is scheduled to open on July 19.

Cosmoe Tayson, a sales associate with the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, answered questions from applicants seeking employment. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Although the number of applicants far outpaced the positions available, many people were optimistic as they endured the long wait and heat. Cosmoe Tayson, a sales associate with the Hard Rock International who was coordinating the applicants waiting for an interview, said the process was going smoothly, and he was not surprised so many people were applying. He said last year, more than 6,000 people applied for the same number of positions at the new Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas.

“We expected a large turnout, especially in this economy with so many people looking for work,” Tayson said. “It’s not even open yet, but people are really excited, and I expect more of the same the rest of the week.”

The application process will continue everyday through Saturday, June 19 from 9:00am to 7:00pm. The Hard Rock Cafe is hiring for all service positions, including wait staff, bartenders, bussers, cooks, hosts and retail associates. Applicants can only apply for one position, but many of the people in line Monday said they would be happy with any employment.

Chris Ingram, a full-time guitar student at the Musicians Institute, located a couple of blocks away on Hollywood Boulevard, said he wanted to work there because it fits with his love of music.

“I am looking for a part-time job on evenings and weekends, and it’s hard because everyone is looking too,” Ingram said. “I am applying because being in the music business, it’s a good place for that. It goes hand-in-hand with my interests.”

Other applicants also came from the local area, including Caileigh Scott, of Hollywood.

“We live around the corner, so this would be very convenient. If you are going to work in a restaurant, this would be the one to work in,” Scott said.

Applicant Taneka Poarch of South Los Angeles said she didn’t mind waiting in line for two hours for the opportunity to work at the Hard Rock Cafe.

“I love the whole thing it represents. It’s been around a long time, and seems like a great place to work,” Poarch said. “Everyone needs a job right now, so I am hoping for the best.”

The new 20,000-square-foot restaurant will be located between Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre, and will feature a space for live music. Its design will fuse the heritage of Los Angeles and Hollywood, with rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia from artists who started in Los Angeles.

The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood’s Rock Shop gift store is already open on the boulevard. Candidates for the positions must be at least 19 years old, and must bring a valid ID.  The interviews are being held at the Highland Hollywood Nightclub, located in Suite 433 at the Hollywood and Highland Center. For information, visit www.Hard Rock.com.