It was in high school that Hugo Moreno’s passion for the hospitality industry first revealed itself. At 17, as part of
a project for his honors economics class, he developed a business plan for a nightclub and has never looked back.
After graduation, Moreno attended The University of California, Berkeley where, alongside his studies, he sought to
gain experience bartending in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, continually seeking out positions that were more
upscale and higher-volume in order to improve his skills. At the same time, Hugo helped launch Shaw Management,
an event management and production company started by three of his college peers, while also managing logistics for
a variety of events and parties for a multitude of organizations and corporations.
In 2000, Moreno graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Legal Studies and committed himself to traveling abroad so
that he could absorb the cultures and foods of countries around the world. He returned to San Francisco in 2001 after a
year but did not stay long, moving to Las Vegas.
Moreno started at The Venetian Hotel, Casino & Resort as bartender, but bucking the system, chose an extra-board
position over that of a regular shift so that he would be exposed to all fourteen casino bars on property. While bartending,
Moreno’s commitment to self-improvement and his tireless work ethic caught the attention of his boss, who promoted him
to Beverage Manager in 2003.
For two years, Moreno immersed himself in all facets of the beverage business from overseeing build-outs, to developing
the department’s training manual, to drafting and managing a multimillion-dollar-operating budget and strategic plan, to
serving as the department’s mixologist and creating signature drinks for all the Venetian bars.
In 2005, his talent and hard work was again rewarded, this time with a promotion to Pool F&B Operations Manager.
As the department head, Moreno oversaw a $23 million renovation project in which he designed, planned and created
operating systems and procedures for the re-opening of the celebrated five-acre pool area. He was also a driving force
in helping the F&B department achieve five star/five diamond recognition from the Mobil Travel Guide and AAA. After
five years with The Venetian, Moreno was recruited to join the PURE Management Group (PMG) to help open Caesars
Palace’s exclusive Venus Pool Club. While at PMG, Moreno continued to climb the ranks, helping to manage operations
at some of the planet’s busiest and most successful nightlife outlets including the elite PURE Nightclub, Tangerine Nightclub
and the record-breaking Coyote Ugly. In this position, Moreno was given the opportunity to deal with VIP’s and celebrities on a
daily basis, adding invaluable marketing experience to his resume. He learned how to get the job done in a high stress, high
volume environment and was successful implementing marketing strategies to increase guest volume and revenue.
In 2007, Moreno was approached by Martini Park to help build a new nightlife concept in Houston, Texas. With his family residing
in the Houston area, Moreno jumped at the opportunity to once again build a new brand from the floor up. While training with the
company in Dallas, however, Martini Park’s deal for its Houston location fell through and Moreno was compelled to return to Las Vegas.
Immediately, he was offered a position with DW Enterprises and helped work on opening yet another outlet, this time an outpost of the
iconic Trader Vic’s at the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas.
With a renewed confidence and cemented reputation for being a serious operator, Moreno decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream,
and together with long-time friend and acclaimed pastry chef Ralph Perrazzo, Rare Concepts Group was born.
With a deep commitment to customer service, an intense attention to detail and an uncanny ability to manage operations in outlets with
long-term success, Moreno’s star continues to rise. His ability to create fun and comfortable places to work is eclipsed only by his aptitude
ensuring bottom line profitability. With years of hard work and experience under his belt, Moreno is among the best young, hospitality
operators anywhere.
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