HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International announced the appointment of long-time restaurant and hospitality leader Eric Martino as President of the Hard Rock Cafe Division, overseeing operations of the company’s nearly 200 popular eateries around the world. Additionally, Martino will oversee Hard Rock’s Retail Division on a global scale. He reports to Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.
“We’re excited to welcome Eric, whose extensive background in culinary arts, marketing and operations will further elevate the already outstanding Hard Rock dining and retail experience,” said Allen.
Martino joins Hard Rock with nearly thirty years of hospitality experience in ownership and management roles where he honed his skills in both culinary arts and business management. He previously served as President of MINA Group, Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant management company, where he led marketing, culinary, operations and beverage teams that served, supported and managed thirty-plus restaurant concepts. Martino was previously Chief Operating Officer at José Andrés Group, overseeing a vast portfolio and spearheading operations across nine major international markets. Prior, Martino was VP of Operations for MStreet Entertainment Group where he led operations for the group of multi-concept, high-volume restaurants including the professional development of in-store management teams and implementation of improved systems to drive sales and increase profits. In 2022, Martino founded and is now Executive Chair of Culture Hospitality Group, a consulting, coaching and recruiting company providing executive coaching and operational support to hospitality professionals.
“I could not be more thrilled to join Hard Rock, such an iconic company at the forefront of creating memorable dining, retail and entertainment experiences,” said Martino. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to cultivate an even stronger experience at Hard Rock with delicious food and strategic partnerships for our millions of guests worldwide.”
Additional information on Hard Rock International can be found by visiting hardrock.com. For more information regarding open roles at Hard Rock International, visit careers.hardrock.com.
About Hard Rock®:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 309 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for five consecutive years, and among the top Upper Upscale Hotels four times in five years. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World’s Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International 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.
SOURCE Hard Rock International
