Hard Rock International has named Eric Martino as the new president of its Hard Rock Café Division. In this role, he will oversee operations of the company’s nearly 200 cafes around the world, as well as Hard Rock’s Retail Division. He reports to Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming.
Martino previously served as president of MINA Group, Chef Michael Mina's restaurant management company, where he led marketing, culinary, operations and beverage teams for over 30 restaurant concepts. He was previously chief operating officer at José Andrés Group, overseeing operations across nine major international markets. Martino has also served as vice president of operations for MStreet Entertainment Group. In 2022, he 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.
“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.
"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," Martino said in a statement "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."
Hard Rock includes 309 locations in over 70 countries and owns the world's largest collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces. Martino joins the company as it grows internationally but as domestic sales and unit counts decline. According to Technomic Ignite data, 2023 sales were $117.8 million, a -7.1% decrease year-over-year, while there were 30 U.S. locations, a -6.3% decrease. In a statement, a spokesperson said the company’s café count has steadily risen around the world over the last few years, with “many others in the works,” adding, “we will be opening dozens of new cafes, hotels and casinos in our portfolio in the next five years in keeping with our trend.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]