Wyborn says the resort decided to eschew brand names because it meant greater creative and operational control. And there will be no bold-face names such as music stars Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who operated an outpost of Bongos Cuban restaurant at the old Hard Rock, or local celebrity chef Steve Martorano, who says he couldn’t agree to terms to bring another Cafe Martorano to the property. Unlike at the Paradise Shops, the razed dining and entertainment complex that last occupied this ground (2005-2017), this time there will be no chains such as Hooters, Johnny Rockets and Ben & Jerry’s. This will be a rebirth and renewal for the property, one that the tribe will operate nearly all on its own. “After that, that’s it,” says Justin Wyborn, vice president of food and beverage for the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Bae is expected to open in November and will be operated by Bol Hospitality, the same outfit that runs the resort’s Bol Asian restaurant (which recently expanded and revamped). The name comes from the Korean word for Asian pear, a fruit of prosperity, representatives explain. On the way: Bae Korean Grill, a Korean barbecue restaurant that will feature do-it-yourself, live-fire cooking and hood vents over most tables.
