MAR Group is a full-service hospitality collective specializing in the full lifecycle of standout dining experiences.
From concept development to daily operations,
we integrate culinary vision, operational precision, and intelligent design to build brands that last.
Our team brings together Michelin-level chefs, seasoned operators, and forward-thinking creatives to shape concepts that are both distinctive and scalable. With a 360° approach and a commitment to smart, experience-driven execution, MAR Group is not just imagining the future of hospitality— we’re building it.
MAR GROUP unites seasoned visionaries who bring both gravitas and innovative spirit to modern hospitality. Our partners have built legendary brands & destinations with innate understanding of what makes experiences extraordinary.
L E A D E R S H I P
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A visionary force in modern dining, Chef Sam Marvin combines classical French training with bold innovation to create extraordinary culinary experiences. His journey spans from prestigious European kitchens—including Marc Meneau's L'Espérance and Georges Blanc's three-star La Mere Blanc—to revolutionizing the Los Angeles dining scene with groundbreaking concepts.
In 2009, Chef Sam transformed downtown LA's culinary landscape with Bottega Louie, an instant success that
redefined urban dining. His entrepreneurial vision continued with Echo & Rig Butcher and Steakhouse, first in Las Vegas's Summerlin district, then expanding to Sacramento's Kimpton Sawyer Hotel and Henderson's District at Green Valley Ranch. Each venture showcases his unique ability to create destination dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with operational innovation.Known for his ability to anticipate trends and revitalize neighborhoods, Chef Sam brings a rare combination of culinary mastery and business acumen to every project. His philosophy focuses on the perfect balance of technique and flavor, tradition and imagination, creating multi-sensory dining experiences that set new industry standards.
Beyond his restaurants, Chef Sam continues to push culinary boundaries through Passport Culinary, his premium meat subscription service, and various content creation projects. His achievements include winning Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay and appearances on numerous national broadcasts.
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FOUNDER & CREATOR:
Echo & Rig Butcher and Steakhouse
Bottega Louie
Passport Culinary
Modada Restaurant
Pluck
CULINARY EXPERIENCE:
Patina Restaurant Group (Los Angeles)
L'Espérance (3-Michelin Stars, France)
La Mere Blanc (3-Michelin Stars, France)
L’Orangerie (Los Angeles)
International experience in Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, and Holland
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
Los Angeles Winemasters
Best Steakhouse 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 (Las Vegas Weekly)
Voted "Rising Star Chef" by The James Beard Foundation
"Outstanding Contribution to the Culinary Arts" American Institute of Wine and Food
CHARITABLE WORK & COMMUNITY:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation
American Heart Association
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
LOCATIONS:
Los Angeles, CA
Las Vegas, NV (Summerlin)
Sacramento, CA (Kimpton Sawyer Hotel)
Henderson, NV (The District at Green Valley Ranch)
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT:
Food Network (Beat Bobby Flay - Winner)
Hallmark Channel's Home and Family
FYI's Late Night Chef Fight
Judge for multiple culinary competitions
Content creator and producer for food & culture programming
EDUCATION & MENTORSHIP:
Guest lecturer at culinary schools
Mentor to emerging chefs
Professional development programs
Culinary arts education advocate
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sam@themar.group
CHEF & FOUNDER
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A distinguished leader in global hospitality and gaming, George Markantonis brings nearly three decades of experience in managing world-class integrated resorts and luxury properties. His strategic vision and operational excellence have shaped some of the industry's most iconic destinations across four continents.
After establishing his foundation in luxury hospitality with Westin Hotels & Resorts, George transformed Caesars Palace Las Vegas as Senior Vice President, overseeing the development of the 4,000-room mega-resort and launching the revolutionary Celine Dion residency at The Colosseum. His innovative leadership continued as CEO of Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, where he spearheaded the development of the 125-acre landmark destination, before taking the helm as President of Kerzner International Bahamas Limited, managing the renowned Atlantis Paradise Island complex and its portfolio of luxury properties.
Most recently, as President & COO of The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas, George led a
team of 9,000 to achieve record revenues while setting new standards in guest satisfaction. His expertise in large-scale integrated resorts and commitment to excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Arthur Landstreet Award and Caribbean Hotelier of the Year.Currently serving on the Nevada Gaming Commission, George continues to shape the future of
hospitality and gaming while contributing his extensive industry knowledge to regulatory oversight. His unique combination of operational expertise, development experience, and strategic vision exemplifies leadership in modern hospitality. -
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP:
Nevada Gaming Commission (Current Commissioner)
The Venetian and Palazzo Resorts (President & COO)
Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Apollo Global Management
MAJOR HOSPITALITY BRANDS:
KERZNER INTERNATIONAL:
Atlantis, The Palm Dubai (CEO)
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas (President & Managing Director)
One & Only Palmilla (Mexico)
One & Only Ocean Club (Bahamas)
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT:
Caesars Palace Las Vegas (Senior VP Hotel Operations)
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS:
Carlton Hotel (Johannesburg)
The Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks (Houston)
Properties in Dallas, El Paso, Florida, Toronto
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
Arthur Landstreet Award (American Hotel & Lodging Association)
Cacique Hotelier of The Year (Commonwealth of the Bahamas)
Caribbean Hotelier of The Year 2013 (CHTA)
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY:
Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee Member
Key contributor to Las Vegas Convention Center expansion
Instrumental in Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas
Led development of largest private workforce in Bahamas
Pioneer in integrated resort development
Advocate for hospitality education and personnel development
OPERATIONAL SCALE:
The Venetian & Palazzo: 7,100 suites, 9,000 employees
Atlantis Bahamas: 4,000 rooms, 8,000 employees
Caesars Palace: 4,000 rooms
Atlantis Dubai: 2,000 rooms
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EXECUTIVE & FOUNDER
T E A M
Demos Markantonis
PARTNER & FINANCIALS
Octavio Baccera
OPERATIONS
Phase Two
Our next phase expands team coverage across:
Operations • Culinary • Brand + Experience • Development + Finance • Innovation + Systems
