Hard Rock announced that Fred Thimm has been named vice president & COO for Corporate Cafes of Hard Rock International, overseeing operations for Hard Rock’s 61 restaurants in the United States and Europe.

Thimm brings more than 25 years of extensive restaurant experience to Hard Rock, most recently serving as president of the upscale steakhouse concept – Stoney River Legendary Steaks based in Nashville, Tennessee. Previous positions include president and COO of Palm Restaurants; co-owner of Martini Park in Washington, D.C.; and president of Al Copeland Investments, Restaurant Division in New Orleans, overseeing Copeland’s of New Orleans and Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro concepts. 

Thimm will oversee the strategic development and operations of Hard Rock’s unique portfolio of cafes in markets from New York to Honolulu and London to Prague. Hard Rock seeks to selectively expand in iconic locations around the world and Thimm will play a key role in this expansion process. 

“Fred will have an immediate impact across our company units and we look forward to his leadership and enthusiasm as we continue to grow our brand,” says Hamish Dodds, president and CEO of Hard Rock International, commenting on the appointment. “Fred brings strong restaurant expertise, business acumen, and substantial operations experience to Hard Rock.” 

Thimm is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York and received his MBA in Hotel/Restaurant Management from the University of Denver. Thimm also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association. He and his family will be relocating from Nashville to Hard Rock International’s global headquarters in Orlando.