Hard Rock Picks Joe Lupo to Serve as President of Vegas Strip Casino

Posted on: August 3, 2022, 01:43h. 

Last updated on: August 4, 2022, 03:00h.

Steve Bittenbender Read More
Expertise: Legislation, Sports Betting, Horse Racing.

Hard Rock International announced Wednesday that Joe Lupo, the current president of the company’s Atlantic City casino, will be in charge of its planned Las Vegas Strip property.

Joe Lupo
Hard Rock International announced Wednesday that Joe Lupo, the president of the company’s Atlantic City casino, will become the president of Hard Rock Las Vegas. The move is contingent on Nevada regulators approving Hard Rock’s acquisition of The Mirage from MGM Resorts International. (Image: Hard Rock)

The move is subject to Nevada regulators approving the Florida-based company’s purchase of The Mirage Hotel and Casino from MGM Resorts International. Last December, Hard Rock agreed to buy the casino for more than $1 billion.

Lupo has served as Hard Rock Hotel & Atlantic City president since November 2018. Before that, he worked for two years at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. He’s also a veteran of Nevada gaming, having worked for several Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin. That experience includes a stint as the race and sportsbook director at the former Stardust Hotel & Casino.

Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen said Lupo has posted “amazing results” during his tenure in Atlantic City.

Thanks to his dedication and expertise, financial results continue to outperform expectations, while our team members share an unmatched commitment to guest service and satisfaction,” Allen said. “I am confident Joe Lupo will achieve even greater success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.”

At the time of the sale, MGM said it expected it to close during the second half of this year.

Guitar-Shaped Hotel Planned

The Mirage property is expected to undergo several changes once Hard Rock takes possession. Hard Rock plans to build one of its signature guitar-shaped hotels on the property. It’s also expected to take down the iconic volcano that has been a signature attraction on the Strip for decades.

MGM will give Hard Rock a license to use the Mirage name for three years. Hard Rock announced that a strip property expansion would open in 2025.

Faranca Hired to Lead Hard Rock Atlantic City

Taking Lupo’s place in Atlantic City will be Anthony Faranca. He will take over as the Hard Rock casino’s president in New Jersey on Sept. 1.

Faranca brings more than 17 years of gaming experience to Hard Rock. Most recently, he served three years as the executive vice president and general manager for Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Md., near Baltimore. Among his accomplishments were opening a FanDuel retail sportsbook and a 5,000-seat entertainment center.

He also served as the vice president and general manager for Station Casinos and was responsible for the Palms and Red Rock casinos.

His experience includes serving as an executive for Caesars Entertainment in New Jersey and Parx Casino in the Philadelphia area.

“Anthony’s deep knowledge of the Atlantic City and Northeast region is an invaluable asset to the company,” Allen said. “We are confident that Anthony will continue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s legacy of success and impactful leadership in the community.”