Say hello to
@marko.em , Nightlife Manager at
@themandrakehotel and our exceptional #FaceOfTheWeek !🍸
Marko’s hospitality journey started right at The Mandrake, where he’s been since day one in 2017. He began as a barback, then moved into bartending, guest relations, and hosting. Over time, guests began reaching out to Marko directly for reservations and bespoke experiences, and he was fortunate enough that his manager noticed this and gave him the opportunity to become Nightlife Manager.
Speaking on his love for the industry, Marko said, “What I love most is the human connection - the chance to make people feel something special. Every night is different, every guest has their own story, and I love crafting experiences that go beyond the expectations. It’s about energy, atmosphere, and creating those moments that people remember long after they’ve left.”
Looking to the future, Marko shared his goals, “In the short term, my focus is on developing new creative activations and partnerships that keep The Mandrake’s nightlife scene fresh and inspiring, while also strengthening my understanding of sales and business development. Long term, I want to continue evolving as a leader in hospitality - whether that’s expanding The Mandrake’s concept internationally or one day curating my own space that brings together art, music, and mixology in a truly immersive way.”
Delving into what makes an exceptional hospitality professional, Marko said, “For me, it’s about intuition and genuine care. An exceptional hospitality professional reads people, not just situations. They understand what a guest needs before it’s even asked for - whether that’s privacy, energy, or attention to detail. It’s also about humility and teamwork; hospitality is a collective effort, and the magic happens when everyone is aligned.”
To conclude, Marko advised, “Don’t be afraid to go beyond the obvious and create something unique to you. The best ideas often come from passion for me, one of those was “Ink & Tonic,” a collaboration where guests could get a free tattoo from the incredible
@wandatattoo Studio while enjoying our cocktails. Projects like that remind me why creativity matters.”
