When Hard Rock International, Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris bought the former Trump Taj Mahal in 2017, they envisioned turning it into the glittering gem of the Hard Rock chain. But when construction started in October 2017, it seemed doubtful that the property would be open by the summer of this year. Yet a massive effort by everyone involved allowed the Hard Rock to open on June 28 and take advantage of the Independence Day week that followed. Gaming veteran Matt Harkness was given the reigns at Hard Rock AC and directed the staffing, training and opening of the property. He talks about his relationships with the city, the state and the employees as they moved toward opening day. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros at his offices in Hard Rock AC just a week after opening in July.
