4 MORE: George Goldhoff

Dec 23

As part of our year-end issue, we are revisiting Cincinnati People stories from throughout 2021.

We checked in with George Goldhoff, the president at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, about casino opening.

When the Rock Shop opened in April we interviewed Goldhoff, and below is a gallery from the grand opening of casino in October.

What’s been the biggest surprise to you in 2021?

I never would have predicted the “Big Quit.” The changes in workforce sentiment are staggering, with over 4 million workers quitting their jobs each month for the previous four months in a row. There are many theories about generous government benefits, stagnant pay, uncertainty of businesses, the reshuffling of the population to different locations and industries, the fear of the virus, and employers’ lack of support or indifference to mental health concerns. I assume the historic rise in quitting also seems to be about more than all of this.

The pandemic has changed the way we view our lives and the world. We are reevaluating how we want to spend our precious time, so we as employers have to understand and support these changing values in the workplace.

What’s changed since we last spoke?

I have always said that your brand is what your guests say it is, not what you tell them it is. In a regional market, with fierce competition, we have to “earn it” every day.

This concept of earning our guest’s loyalty was improved after rebranding through more valuable marketing campaigns/offers/events/initiatives, improved guest service, transforming our facility by providing higher-quality food and beverage options, entertainment, world-class memorabilia, cleaner and more organized experience, and a safer environment.

What did you learn about Cincinnati?

One of the greatest things that I have learned about living in Cincinnati is the true sense of community, from sporting events, the love of the arts, multitude of museums, the patronage for the zoo, the collaboration between the non-profits and business, a collection of diverse neighborhoods, a thriving culinary and beverage scene, year-round outdoor recreation options. But most importantly, my family immigrated here in the 1880s, my wife and I moved to Over-The-Rhine as “empty-nesters” in 2019, and we have been overwhelmed by the genuine friendliness of everyone who have welcomed us “back home.”

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?

At Hard Rock Cincinnati we have many new products, training, and technology initiatives scheduled for 2022.

We are investing in the design of a new hotel, new restaurants, sports betting, business intelligence tools, sensational entertainment, DEI initiatives, and team member development.

On Oct. 29 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati officially opened with an incredible Guitar Smash ceremony led by Pete Rose, Drew Lachey, Tucker Barnhart, Kathy Wade, Phil Castellini, Bootsy Collins, and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida along with Hard Rock Casino executives.

During the ceremony, Hard Rock Cincinnati CEO George Goldhoff presented a check for $25,000 to Alecia Kintner, CEO of ArtsWave, to fund the organization’s “Lifting as We Learn” diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) commitment.

After the smash and pyrotechnics, Cincinnati Reds Legend Pete Rose placed the inaugural first table game bet.

The other “guitar smashers” were Kent Butts, Jan-Michele Kearney, and Betsy Sundermann.