Hard Rock Hires President for Cafe and Retail Divisions

Hard Rock Intl. (Hollywood, Fla.) has named Eric Martino President of its Hard Rock Cafe Division, overseeing operations of the company’s nearly 200 eateries around the world. Additionally, Martino will oversee Hard Rock’s Retail Division on a global scale.

“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 Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock Intl. and CEO of parent company Seminole Gaming.

Martino joins Hard Rock with nearly 30 years of hospitality experience in ownership and management roles. 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 30-plus restaurant concepts.

Martino’s career also includes stints as COO at José Andrés Group, overseeing a portfolio and operations of restaurants across nine international markets and as VP of Operations for MStreet Entertainment Group. In 2022, Martino founded and is now Executive Chair of Culture Hospitality Group, a consulting, coaching and recruiting company for 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.”

Hard Rock Intl. has 309 locations in more than 70 countries that include owned/licensed or managed hotels, casinos, cafes, rock shops and live-performance venues.