Dive Brief:
- Hard Rock International has hired Eric Martino as president of Hard Rock Cafe Division, the company said in a Monday press release.
- Martino will oversee operations at nearly 200 restaurants around the world, as well as in Hard Rock’s retail division. He reports to Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International.
- Martino has nearly 30 years of experience in hospitality in ownership and management roles.
Dive Insight:
Martino previously served as president of Mina Group, Chef Michael Mina’s restaurant management company, where he worked in the marketing, culinary, operations and beverage teams that supported and managed over 30 concepts. He also was COO of José Andrés Group, where he oversaw the company’s portfolio and operations across nine international markets.
Prior to that role, Martino served as vice president of operations for MStreet Entertainment Group, where he led operations for the multi-concept restaurants, including the development of in-store management teams and the implementation of new systems to drive sales and profitability.
In 2022, he formed his own consulting, coaching and recruiting company, Culture Hospitality Group, where he is now executive chair.
“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,” Allen said in a statement.
Hard Rock has been working on updating its dining experiences and menu in the last year. In May, it launched a global loyalty program for its hotels, retail and casinos. In February, it joined forces with Major Food Group to develop dining experiences at Hard Rock properties around the globe, including integrated restaurants, hotels, casinos and cafes. The MFG partnership will also support the creation of restaurant concepts for Hard Rock properties in development, like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Barcelona.
The company partnered with soccer player Lionel Messi last year to design its kids menu, which included a Messi X Burger, Messi Golden Chicken Sandwich and other kid-friendly items.
