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The team behind Carbone is stepping up to the plate in Queens. Major Food Group (Torrisi, The Grill, Sadelle's) has signed on to operate a slate of restaurants and bars within the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion mega-development slated to rise near Citi Field by 2030.
While MFG won’t operate every eatery on the property, its involvement is a strong signal that this won’t be your average food court casino. Expect a stylish blend of fine dining and high-end casual concepts, with menus that reflect Queens’ rich culinary heritage—and a personal connection, too. Co-founder and chef Mario Carbone hails from the borough.
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The move is part of a broader, international partnership between Major Food Group and Hard Rock International, formalized in early 2024. Under the deal, MFG serves as culinary advisor across Hard Rock’s portfolio, including properties in Hollywood, Tampa, Atlantic City and upcoming outposts in Athens and Barcelona. The team even staged a Carbone residency at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Florida last December.
“This is a truly unique opportunity,” said MFG co-founder Jeff Zalaznick in a press release announcing the partnership last year, “to bring MFG’s deep expertise and innovation together with a hotel and casino leader to provide incredible food and beverage experiences for Hard Rock guests at locations both here and abroad.”
Metropolitan Park itself is a massive swing at reimagining the 50-acre sea of parking lots around the Mets’ home turf. In addition to the casino and hotel, the project includes new parks, sports fields, a live music venue and a 30,000-square-foot food hall called Taste of Queens, a curated lineup of more than 20 vendors from across the borough, in the spirit of Queens Night Market (but indoors and year-round).
Backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, the proposal has faced its share of scrutiny, including environmental concerns and community opposition to the development of a casino. Still, several Queens community boards approved the plan in November 2024 and a final decision from the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board is expected by the end of 2025.
Until then, the Carbone crew will be in the bullpen, prepping their next play.