Hollywood Casino at Greektown in downtown Detroit has named a new executive chef, Chef Petro Drakopoulous, while introducing new renovations and menu offerings. In addition, two upcoming and as-yet-unnamed restaurants are coming to Hollywood Casino.
The 25-year food and beverage industry veteran helms all of the restaurant and culinary operations at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, including Prism steakhouse, Barstool Sportsbook, the newly reimagined Rock Bar, the Monroe Market food hall, and all hotel banquets.
Chef Petro joins Hollywood Casino at Greektown following two years as executive chef and director of food and beverage at Detroit’s Atheneum Hotel. His culinary career began at the age of 15 with a hot dog stand on the streets of Chicago.
Since that time, Chef Petro spent years at companies including Marriott properties in Chicago and Anaheim. His contributions to the Detroit-area food scene include development of Detroit Shipping Company in Midtown in 2016 and the opening of downtown Detroit’s Texas de Brazil in 2011.
“We’re thrilled to have Chef Petro at the reins of our culinary operations as executive chef. His experience, leadership, creativity, and skills in the kitchen are beyond reproach,” says John Drake, general manager of Hollywood Casino at Greektown.
“Under Chef Petro’s guidance, we’ll be working to offer guests and diners an unmatched culinary experience … whether you’re grabbing a quick, casual afternoon snack, celebrating with an elegant steakhouse dinner, or anything in between, we’re aiming to deliver the best in quality, taste, service, and dining experience.”
Chef Petro has recently revamped the menu at Prism steakhouse, including the introduction of entrée salads and the addition of more proteins, as well as a renewed emphasis on modern, composed plates and authentic Greek flavors.
“The culinary world is always changing and advancing, and we want to ensure we’re keeping up with the latest trends, but delicious flavors, beautiful plating, and quality service never go out of style,” says Chef Petro. “We’re looking to combine the best of what’s been done at the property to date, and marry it with my personal touch for the ultimate culinary experience at Hollywood Casino at Greektown.”
Additionally, Chef Petro will be introducing the first-ever culinary menu and an overhauled drink selection at Rock Bar, located in the property’s first-floor gaming area (along E. Lafayette St.). The approximately 2,800 square-foot cocktail bar has been newly redesigned to accommodate up to 100 guests to enjoy both classic and unique libations, appetizers and small plates, entertainment across dozens of television screens, and machine gaming.
At Barstool Sportsbook, Chef Petro is fortifying the new weekend brunch menu, which is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon. It features a variety of plated, elevated comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, berry waffles, and a fried bologna sandwich. On the beverage side, Barstool Sportsbook offers its unique Bloody Mary with all the toppings, including a fried chicken finger.
The Monroe Market food hall for quick, casual dining also will see some changes under Chef Petro’s leadership. Two current offerings, 313 Burger Bar and Basil Leaf Pizza, will combine into one shared space, making room for new additions, including local favorite, Detroit Taco Company, which is expected to open its new location later this summer.
For hotel banquet operations, Chef Petro and his team are refining the menu, focusing on modern food with an international flare, and touches of Detroit. Hollywood Casino at Greektown’s hotel banquet facilities can accommodate up to 250 seated guests, and host a variety of events from corporate conventions to weddings.
More information on Hollywood Casino at Greektown’s culinary offerings is available here.
Operated by Penn National Gaming Inc. and located in the historic Greektown district, Hollywood Casino at Greektown offers more than 100,000 square feet of gaming, entertainment, and dining experiences. The 30-story hotel offers 400 guestrooms and suites.
For more information, visit here.
Editor: R.J. King
Associate Editor: Jake Bekemeyer
