Eric Martino joins Hard Rock International as Division President of Hard Rock Cafe & Retail

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Hard Rock International announced the appointment of a longtime restaurant and hospitality leader Eric Martino as President of the Hard Rock Cafe Division, overseeing the operations of the company's nearly 200 flagship restaurants worldwide. Additionally, Martino will oversee Hard Rock's Retail Division on a global scale. He reports to Jim AllenChairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.

“We are excited to welcome Eric, whose extensive background in culinary arts, marketing and operations will further elevate the already exceptional dining and retail experience at Hard Rock,” 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 the culinary arts and business management. He previously served as President of MINA Group, Chief by Michael Mina restaurant management company, where he led marketing, culinary, operations and beverage teams that serviced, supported and managed 30 restaurant concepts. Martino was previously Chief Operating Officer at Jos Andrs Group, overseeing a broad portfolio and leading operations in nine major international markets. Previously, Martino was VP of Operations for MStreet Entertainment Group where he led operations for the multi-concept, high-volume restaurant group, including professional development of in-store management teams and implementation of improved systems to drive sales and to increase profits. In 2022, Martino founded and is now the Executive Chairman of Culture Hospitality Group, a consulting, training and recruitment company that provides executive coaching and operational support to hospitality professionals.

“I couldn't be more excited to join Hard Rock, such an iconic company at the forefront of creating unforgettable dining, retail and entertainment experiences,” said Martino. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to cultivate an even stronger Hard Rock experience with delicious food and strategic partnerships for our millions of guests around the world.”

Additional information on Hard Rock International can be found by visiting hardrock.com. For more information about the open roles at Hard Rock International, visit career.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock^:
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most recognized companies globally with locations in over 70 countries comprising 309 locations comprising owned/licensed or managed hotels, casinosRock Shop^{, Live performance venues and cafes. Her Unity from Hard Rock The global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love at participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture called Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, sports retail and online gaming platform. Starting with one Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored by JD Power's North American Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study as the number one brand in exceptional guest satisfaction for five consecutive years, and among the top tier hotels four times in five years . HRI became the first privately held gaming company designated as the best managed company in the US by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored four times. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and Junior Ranks and a leading large employer in the travel and leisure, gaming and entertainment industries. At the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Earth Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grade ratings from the major 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