Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has confirmed that its next signature dining venue will be developed with Major Food Group (MFG), the New York-based hospitality group behind Carbone, Sadelle’s, and other high-profile concepts. The new restaurant will take over the space formerly occupied by Cipresso, which closed on 19 July after a seven-year run at the South Florida property.
The announcement extends a strategic alliance struck in 2024 between Hard Rock International and MFG to roll out exclusive dining experiences across Hard Rock’s global portfolio. For Seminole Hard Rock, the move signals a continued push to elevate its food-and-beverage offer alongside its gaming and entertainment credentials.
Leadership voices
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, framed the project as a natural evolution of the partnership. “Bringing an exclusive MFG concept to our resort is an exciting next step in our partnership and reflects our continued investment in world-class dining and hospitality,” he said.
Jeff Zalaznick, co-founder of MFG, echoed that sentiment, pointing to a shared ambition to create “iconic spaces” that resonate with both local guests and international visitors. Randy Morton, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, added that the new restaurant will enhance the overall guest experience and reinforce the property’s standing as a premier entertainment destination in South Florida.
What to expect
While the restaurant’s name, culinary direction, and opening timeline remain under wraps, Hard Rock said further details will be released in the autumn. The venue will complement the resort’s existing dining lineup, which includes Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and other outlets.
The collaboration builds on an earlier MFG presence at the property: in December 2023, MFG operated an exclusive residency at Cipresso to mark the launch of new gaming options at Seminole Gaming venues. That residency helped pave the way for the current, more permanent arrangement.
For travel professionals, the development underscores a broader trend of casino-resorts investing heavily in F&B as a differentiator. Hard Rock’s partnership with MFG is part of a wider strategy to bring globally recognised culinary brands into its hotels, a move that could influence how other operators approach dining-led loyalty and guest engagement.
The Seminole Hard Rock property, which underwent a major expansion in 2019 with the addition of a 450-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower, continues to attract a mix of leisure and business travellers. The new restaurant is expected to bolster its appeal for high-end diners and event planners alike.
As the hospitality sector increasingly competes on experience, partnerships like this one are becoming more common. Asian hotel groups have been leading global luxury expansion, and Western operators are responding with their own distinctive concepts. For Hard Rock, the MFG collaboration is a clear bet on the power of culinary branding.
More details on the restaurant will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, the property continues to operate its full range of dining, gaming, and entertainment options.
