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Trick Rider, the acclaimed fine-dining destination located inside Omni PGA Frisco Resort, has named Chef Joe Riojas as its new executive chef. Riojas brings more than a decade of fine-dining expertise to the restaurant.

Riojas trained in Houston’s Uchi, the acclaimed contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurant created by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. Following that, he served as sous chef at Zaytinya, José Andres’ innovative Mediterranean restaurant in Frisco. Most recently, he served as executive sous chef for Carbone, the Italian favorite serving Michelin-starred cuisine in Dallas.

 

In his new role at Trick Rider, Chef Riojas has redesigned the menu for the dining destination. Diners can now begin their meal with a luxurious Wagyu beef tartare. New salads include a beet salad featuring the root vegetable both roasted and pickled and served with apple, quinoa, labneh and walnut. The restaurant’s popular new wedge salad features Killer Pecans from Lucas, TX and acclaimed Point Reyes Bay Blue crumbles as well as smoked applewood lardons.

Most notable on the new menu is the array of new steak offerings. Trick Rider will offer four cuts of 45-day dry-aged Prime beef, ranging from an 18 oz. Kansas City strip to a 36 oz. tomahawk. Wagyu choices include a 6 oz. spinalis, a 72-hour short rib, a 12 oz. Delmonico and a New York strip. A Grand Tasting of the Wagyu menu is also available. All steaks at Trick Rider can be augmented with an array of sauces and enhancements.

Other new entrees include an Iberico pork chop with a sorghum glaze, a half-rack of lamb served with a mint gremolata, cucumber and labneh and luxurious King crab. For vegetarian diners, the restaurant has added a grilled eggplant dish featuring labneh, chickpea and a tomato passata.

When he’s not honing his craft in the kitchen, Riojas enjoys mountain biking and Brazilian jiu jitsu. An avid musician, he plays both guitar and piano, and enjoys time with his wife and two children at their home in Celina. He is a proud Navy veteran who served as a combat medic for the United States Marines.

Trick Rider is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

 

About Omni PGA Frisco Resort

Recently opened on May 2, 2023, Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers a reimagined destination resort experience for the ultimate getaway. With a wide selection of unique experiences and remarkable year-round programming and activities, the resort provides a diverse and fun-filled destination for guests of all ages. The oasis of the 660-acre PGA Frisco campus, this luxury resort is one of the world's leading meeting and conference destinations as well as a bucket list leisure escape featuring two championship golf courses at Fields Ranch designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, a 2-acre putting course and a par-3, 10-hole short course. With comprehensive resort amenities featuring a full-service salon and spa, 13 restaurants and bars, and boutique retail shops - there's something designed for all. Featuring subtle nods to Texas culture, each of the resort's 500 guest rooms and suites and 10 exclusive four-bedroom modern-Texas ranch houses, offer sweeping views of lush surrounds. The resort features more than 127,000 sq. ft of indoor and outdoor space for meetings and events, including 2 ballrooms; 19 meeting rooms; 9 outdoor event venues; and Panther Creek Pavilion, the ideal venue for weddings. Visit omnipgafriscoresort.com or call 469-305-4500 for more information and room reservations. Follow Omni PGA Frisco Resort on Facebook and Instagram.

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Many parents are already considering what they need to do to prepare their children for the new school year that is just around the corner. While what they will wear and do after school is essential, ensuring they know what to do about back-to-school bullies should be at the top of every parent’s priority list. Bullies will head back to school as well, and they will be ready to start picking on kids from day one. 

"Summer is a great time to get kids ready for the new school year, including with how to win against bullies," says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. "Addressing it now will ensure the school year will be smooth and bully-free."

Over the summer, parents can do a lot to raise awareness about bullying in their home and community. Making it a priority may help reduce the incidents of bullying in school and in the community. Proactive communities can make people more aware of the issue, which can help reduce the incidents. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, a few risk factors may make people more vulnerable to being bullied. These include a kid being seen as different from their peers, being seen as weak or unable to defend themselves, having low self-esteem, being less popular, not socializing well with others, and suffering from disabilities.

Here are tips for preparing kids now for back-to-school bullies:

  • Discuss bullying now. Discuss bullying, including what it is and what to do about it. Talk about thedifferent types of bullying, how to address it, and what to do if they see someone else being bullied.
  • Role-play. Act out some bullying scenes with the kids so they can practice responding to them. This will help put them more at ease if the real situation ever comes up.
  • Get others involved. Parents can start anti-bullying groups now, which will get more kids involved in helping to keep bullying out of the school. Kids can get together to discuss the issue and ways to respond.
  • Contact the school. Most schools have staff working over the summer. Contact the child's school to inquire about having an anti-bullying campaign kick off when school starts. Help them bring in aspeaker, such as Stand for the Silent, and get together a group of kids for the anti-bullying task force.
  • Teach self-defense. It’s never a good idea to encourage your child to fight, but there are some self-defense moves that they can learn to protect themselves should it get physical. Bullies tend to pick on those they feel won't stand up for themselves. Teach kids self-defense over the summer, such as enrolling them in karate. When kids are confident, they are more likely to stand up to a bully, and then the bully loses interest in that person.

“This school year, we are going to be rewarding students who help with anti-bullying at their school," added Smalley. "We want to encourage students to set the example and help create a kinder, more accepting school atmosphere.”

Stand for the Silent is launching a program called Student Stand Out this school year. Teachers can nominate students who they feel stand out by being kind, addressing bullying, being a positive role model, having good leadership, having respect and integrity, and demonstrating actions that show initiative to end bullying at the school. Each week through the school year, one nominee will be chosen to receive a $50 Visa gift card, and at the end of each semester, one person will be selected to win a $100 gift card. Thenomination period runs from August 1 to December 1 and then from January 1 to April 1. For more information about the program, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/schools/standout

Stand for the Silent travels the country, providing seminars and talks for communities and schools. They also offer helpful materials online to help people with bullying issues. Each year, they also give scholarships to students who help address bullying at their schools. To get more information on how to have theorganization do a presentation or how to start a local chapter, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/

Smalley and his wife, Laura, started the organization following their 11-year-old son, ending his own life due to bullying. They turned their pain and loss into a mission of helping others. He travels the country giving presentations about bullying to schools, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies, and more. Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum or cyberbullying handbook for parents, host apresentation at their school, introduce the How All Started video, and donate to help support the cause. To get more information, visit the site at: https://standforthesilent.org/

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In need of a locksmith? A1 DeLand Locksmith is here to help! We understand how stressful it can be to be locked out, which is why we prioritize providing reliable and professional service. Our team of licensed, bonded, and insured technicians are available 24/7 to address any residential, commercial, or automotive lock and key needs.

Facing a lockout emergency? No worries! Our 24-hour switchboard will promptly dispatch a skilled locksmith to your location, equipped with everything necessary to get you back inside quickly and efficiently. We take pride in offering affordable rates without compromising on quality.

A1 DeLand Locksmith uses top-of-the-line lock brands such as Kwikset, Schlage, and Baldwin, ensuring the security of your home or business. Our versatile locksmiths can handle anything from simple key duplication to high-tech fingerprint lock installation.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

  • Key duplication: Need an extra set of keys? We've got you covered.
  • Rekeying and lock changes: Enhance your security by rekeying existing locks or installing entirely new ones.
  • Deadbolts: We can install or repair deadbolts to reinforce your entry points.
  • Ignition cylinder replacements: Having trouble starting your car? We can replace faulty ignition cylinders.
  • Panic bars: Ensure a safe and easy exit with panic bar installation.
  • Safe opening: Lost your safe combination? Our experts can open it for you.
  • Transponder chips and keyless entry repair: Modern car key issues? We can fix them.

And that's not all! We also provide peephole installation, lock repairs, key cutting, video surveillance system setup, high-security lock installation, car trunk opening, and much more.

At A1 DeLand Locksmith, we believe in fast response times and unbeatable prices. Call us today for a free estimate and let us handle all your lock and key needs!

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People can donate to ALS on the website at ALS.org.

Do you remember the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that swept the nation? The challenge inspired more than 17 million people worldwide and raised more than $115 million for ALS a decade ago.

Southlake resident Ashley Burnett is raising awareness and funds for ALS research in honor of her dad, Todd, who is currently fighting this disease. Hawaiian Falls Roanoke hosted the 2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Monday, July 15 at the wave pool. One of Todd’s best friends is San Francisco 49ers Superbowl Champion tight end Brent Jones, who was in attendance in support of Todd and those fighting ALS. 

“One year ago, my dad was diagnosed with ALS,” said Ashley. “I wanted to do something to help raise money and awareness in the fight against this awful disease. July 15 is the official 10-year anniversary of the original Ice Bucket Challenge that raised more than one hundred million dollars. I had an idea to gather a bunch of people and do a big Ice Bucket Challenge in honor of both my dad and the anniversary. Texas is so hot in July, so I wanted to do the event at the water park. I am so grateful that Hawaiian Falls jumped on board to partner with me in throwing this awesome fundraiser. With a disease that is full of the unknown and often feels so hopeless, raising money through this event gives my family back a little bit of that hope.”

Guests who donated $15 received their own ice bucket as well as a free Hawaiian Falls ticket. The person with the highest donation received a complimentary cabana rental for the day and four Hawaiian Falls season passes. People can donate to ALS on the website at ALS.org.                

Hawaiian Falls waterparks are located in Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco. More information about special events, operating hours, directions, tickets and season passes, are at hfalls.com.

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McLaren Enthusiasts gathered for first look of 2025 McLaren Artura Spider, first-ever high-performance hybrid convertible

McLaren Dallas made excellent use of the Summer Solstice, leveraging the most amount of daylight in a year to unveil the newest supercar from McLaren, the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider,  at the Avondale Dealership. Enthusiasts gathered to witness the debut of this newest supercar at McLaren Dallas before it started on its North American tour.

“McLaren Dallas was thrilled to provide this rare first look and witness our guests' exhilaration as they experienced the breathtaking McLaren Artura Spider. It's more than a car; it's a testament to innovation and luxury, designed to captivate hearts and minds,” said Dave Cantu, director of marketing for Avondale Dealerships. “These are the types of experiences we are proud to be able to offer our clients.”

As the Union Jack draping the vehicle was pulled back at the exclusive event, the new Artura Spider was revealed, adding a thrilling new dimension to McLaren’s lineup. Designed and developed to ambitious targets across the board, the new Artura Spider exhibits a particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. The additional attraction of a retractable hard top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible experience ensures exhilaration.

McLaren’s relentless focus on its super-lightweight engineering philosophy is key to delivering the advantages synonymous with the brand and its legacy. The new Artura Spider has a dry lightest weight of just 3,212 pounds, positioning the new Spider as the lightest among convertible competition. In combination with the 690 horsepower to the rear wheels of the high-performance hybrid powertrain, the results is a power-to-weight ratio of 473 bhp/ton at lightest dry weight, which positions the Artura Spider to optimize every aspect of supercar high-performance, including exploiting its mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive chassis layout to the fullest.

"The new Artura is absolutely the complete next generation supercar, whichever model you choose,” Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said. “We have upgraded the powertrain and the chassis systems to deliver more power, more dynamic performance, and even higher levels of connection with the driver – without any compromise in everyday driving. And now alongside the new Artura coupe we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all of these improvements and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range." 

Guests at the McLaren Dallas event were treated to a Solstice-inspired medley of crafted cuisine and cocktails, including bites from Bistro 31 and summer sips by Reyka Vodka and Monkey Shoulder Whisky. DJ Steffi Burns provided a summer soundtrack of pulse-racing tunes that had guests imagining where they would go first after they put the top down on their own McLaren Artura Spider. Guests were also invited to chat with McLaren North America product specialists, who were on-hand to describe the evolution of Artura and explore customization options. Many guests enjoyed configuring their very own Artura Spider, tailored to their own unique specifications, and showing each other a preview of their very own customized supercar.

The new McLaren Artura Spider is available for preorder now at McLaren Dallas, as well as a stunning selection of available Artura coupes. 

Further information about the new McLaren Artura Spider, including full specifications and options availability, can be found together with an online configurator that allows customers to explore color and equipment choices, at: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/artura-spider

McLaren Dallas, a member of the Avondale Premier Collection, is located in the heart of Dallas at 5300 Lemmon Avenue. With a mission to provide an elevated experience for the purchase and ownership of a McLaren supercar, the experts at McLaren Dallas are ready with both in-person and digital showrooms with vehicles for you to explore, as well as exception vehicle care and service for any McLaren vehicle. Please contact a member of the McLaren Dallas sales team at 833-419-1125, or find more at mclarendallas.com.

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Pickleball is the sport on everyone's mind, that everyone is discussing and trying. Those who haven't picked up a racket to step out on the court and give it a shot are thinking about it and will soon make their mark. This fast-growing court sport is sweeping the nation, and people will either join the movement or watch it pass them by.

“Anyone who has ever grown-up loving court sports or playing sports in general is going to love pickleball,” says Ashley Rose, co-founder of Volée, a company that has a passion for court sports such as pickleball, tennis, and padel offering bags, apparel, and accessories for the games. “Not only is it a great way to meet new friends and stay active, but it also fosters a sense of community by bringing people together.” 

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row. The interest in it is spreading rapidly, with a growth of over 51% from 2022 to 2023, and it has grown over 223% in the last five years. Across the country, neighborhoods are coming together to play, communities are organizing tournaments, and facilities are being built specifically for pickleball. For example, one of the largest pickleball centers in Florida opened in the Daytona Beach area in 2020, and they recently held the 2024 AARP U.S. Champions Cup.  

In a newspaper archived in the Library of Congress from 1976, the writer shares how pickleball is sweeping the nation. They report that it is a sport of its own, created by three neighbors, including Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell, who invented the game on a summer afternoon in Brainbridge Island, Washington. They quickly developed the rules and original purpose, which was to provide a game that the whole family could play together. The name they gave it, the article reports, is attributed to Pritchard’s dog, named Pickles, who liked to chase the balls, so it became known as Pickles’ ball. 

Here’s what people need to know about pickleball, the fastest-growing court sport:

  • The court used for pickleball is the same size as a court used for doubles badminton. It is striped like a tennis court, and the net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
  • Originally invented in 1965 by three dads seeking an alternative to their usual summer games, pickleball has since evolved to feature specialized courts, equipment, accessories and apparel designed specifically for the sport.
  • Wearing the proper clothing and using the right gear can significantly enhance comfort, freedom of movement, and overall performance on the court. The right equipment is also crucial for keeping items organized, protected, and stylish. Volée has developed a dedicated line of products specifically for pickleball and other court sports, including bags, apparel, and accessories. Their bags feature pockets for paddles, shoe garages for quick changes, and a fashionable range of pickleball paddle covers, among other items.
  • Anyone, and at almost any age, can get started playing pickleball. Begin by finding a local group that plays the sport; most are very welcoming to new players. Ensure you have the right equipment, including a paddle, paddle cover, balls (plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball but with holes sized for indoor or outdoor play), proper shoes, and comfortable clothing. Watching a few online videos to understand the rules and see the game in action can also be very helpful.
  • Have fun with it, and be patient as you learn and improve your game. Pickleball is not only a fun sport that creates good memories, allows for healthy physical activity, and is a great way to meet new people, but it's also an opportunity to have fun with fashion. Enjoy playing while looking stylish inVolée's clothes and accessories, adding a touch of flair to your game.

“I’ve always loved court sports and since playing pickleball I have met some amazing new friends,” says Kasey Martin, co-founder of Volée. “It's a game that creates multigenerational bonds. People of all ages and backgrounds can get together and enjoy it. A game that unites us, and we need that. Let our products help you make your mark!”

Volée was founded in Newport Beach, California., by three best friends, Kristin Leffel, Ashley Rose, and Kasey Martin. They created a sports luxe lifestyle line of items made for the court and the country club.Volée serves up the retro vibe of California, featuring a premium athletic lifestyle collection of apparel, bags, and accessories, including stylish pickleball paddle covers and crossbody pickleball bags. 

Some of the newest products in the collection include:

  • Volée Signature Premium Crossbody Bag: Available in two classic hues, silver, and navy, this bag features a quilted design with vegan leather handles and a high-quality striped nylon detachable crossbody strap.
  • Volée Signature Premium Weekender Bag: This sleek modern duffle, available in silver or navy, features multiple compartments, including a water bottle holder, travel luggage sleeve, shoe garage, or computer sleeve. 
  • Volée Signature Premium Paddle Cover: This versatile and stylish paddle cover serves two purposes: providing traditional protection for your pickleball paddle against dings, dirt, and scratches or transforming into a chic crossbody accessory. It is available in quilted silver with a patterned pink palm tree stripe or flat navy with an Ace of Spades fashion stripe. 
  • Volée Signature Windbreaker: This lightweight cropped windbreaker, offered in white and navy, features a drawstring hood, zippered pockets, and elastic bindings.
  • Volée Signature Accessories: These include the V-Star Hat (offered in white with a navy or pink logo) and V-Star Wristbands, which add a cool factor to any on-court look.

To get more information and shop the line, visit the site at: https://thevolee.com/.

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Photo-Berry Baldwin, N the Zone

What a time to be a soccer fan with Copa America final Argentina vs Colombia, Euro Cup Spain vs England both just wrapping up and the Summer Olympics about to start!   With the Summer heat and other activities, it’s easy to forget about local soccer!   However, in its continuing tradition of giving new sixth grade students at J.L. Long Middle School an opportunity to play team sports, the YMCA and JL Long PTA are hoping for another great season of sixth grade soccer!   Under UIL Rules, sixth grade students cannot participate in school team sports, so this is a fantastic opportunity for children to stay active.  The team is co-ed and open to anyone attending JL Long or any nearby schools.  Players can be of any skill level including beginners.  The Fall teams first practice will be on August 20th and scheduled games will begin Saturday September 7th. 

The team will consist of 14+ players and will be co-ed. Everyone will have a chance to play! The team practices are at Willis Winters (or Randall Park) across from Woodrow Wilson High School from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Games are mostly played on Saturdays. If we get enough players, we may have 2 teams!  

Cost is $100 for Y members and $145 for non-Y members through the White Rock YMCA or you can also register with the Richardson YMCA where cost is $85 for Y members and $105 for non- members through August 19th  (as of this printing on WR/Richardson YMCA website).  The White Rock YMCA is offering uniforms with their registration, the Richardson YMCA is not.  Scholarships are available.   

To register, you can go in person to the White Rock YMCA at 7301 Gaston Ave Dallas, TX 75214  and register under JL Long Buccaneers OR you may register online at either the White Rock or Richardson YMCA (the existing link on the WR YMCA website as of this article).  For more information contact Victor Aves at 214-616-0194 or vaves@pegasusrealtyinc.com OR the White Rock YMCA at 214-328-3849 or Richardson YMCA 972-231-3424

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Texas Super Kings

The Texas Super Kings are excited to invite fans to experience the thrill of cricket and meet players at the Texas Super Kings Carnival on Saturday, June 20, from 6-10 pm at Little Elm Park, located at 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX.

The carnival is an opportunity for both seasoned cricket enthusiasts and those new to the sport to meet their favorite Texas Super Kings stars at signing sessions, enjoy food and treats from local vendors, groove to tunes from a live DJ, and compete in cricket and carnival games.

Don't miss your Texas Super Kings in action in the second season of Major League Cricket through July 28 at Grand Prairie Stadium. Purchase tickets by visiting tickets.majorleaguecricket.com.

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National Tequila Day, July 24, falls on a Wednesday this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until happy hour to celebrate it. Overeasy, the beloved diner inside The Statler, is taking the celebration seriously, with an all-day special on its acclaimed Spicy Maria. And, because the restaurant offers breakfast and brunch every day, there is no reason to skip out on a morning celebration.

Overeasy’s Spicy Maria starts with a house-infused jalapeño tequila and its special bloody Mary mix. It’s topped off with a jalapeño and a tangy, Tajin rim. In celebration of National Tequila Day, the cocktail will be offered for $10 all day long.

 

If you need a little more spice to your celebration, consider adding the restaurant’s popular Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich. It includes a buttermilk-marinated and hand-breaded chicken breast with white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and chipotle mayo, all on a toasted brioche bun.

The full Overeasy menu is available for dine-in, pick-up, in-room delivery and third-party delivery.

If you have questions or need hi-res images from the restaurant, please contact Kelly Hunter at khunter@sunwestpr.com.

Overeasy

1914 Commerce St.

Dallas, TX 75201

469.320.8998

overeasydallas.com

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The smoky, sultry notes of tequila make it the perfect speakeasy sip. So, it’s only appropriate that North Texas’ favorite speakeasy, Bourbon & Banter in The Statler Dallas, celebrates National Tequila Day on July 24 with the perfect manifestation of that agave-based spirit.

 

Each of the craft cocktails at Bourbon & Banter are painstakingly crafted with an eye to detail, and its Primrose Path is no exception. This creative concoction features Casamigos Blanco with a hint of St-Germain augmented with lavender, fresh lemon and topped with sparkling wine. While this popular drink is normally $19, it will be offered all day on National Tequila Day for only $15.

 

 Guests can enjoy all that Bourbon & Banter has to offer from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.  daily.

Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

 

Bourbon & Banter

1914 Commerce St.

Dallas, TX 75201

BourbonandBanterDallas.com

 

About The Statler

 

The Statler is an award-winning iconic Mid-Century design masterpiece famed as one of America’s first modern hotels. The Statler brought the limelight back to Dallas with the original 1956 opening that attracted elites from coast to coast and hosted legendary performances by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Jackson 5, and others. With the 2017 reawakening, The Statler is now both a hotel and residences, offering retro-forward style and elevated experiences across 159 upscale guest rooms, 219 luxury apartments, and four uniquely concepted dine and drink venues. The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton is managed by Aimbridge Hospitality and part of the Historic Hotels of America; The Statler Residences is managed by Centurion American. The Statler was redeveloped and is owned by Centurion American. For more on The Statler please visit www.thestatlerdallas.com and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

About Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality is the world’s leading global hospitality management company. A trusted operator of over 80 globally recognized lodging brands and distinctive luxury and lifestyle assets, Aimbridge delivers compelling results for hotel owners by leveraging proprietary data and insights as an authority in key markets and destinations, while creating exceptional guest experiences. Aimbridge continually strives to set the new standard in hospitality excellence, leading the industry into the future through a wealth of unmatched resources and best-in-class supplier agreements, while recruiting and developing top industry talent in all key verticals and geographies. To learn more, visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com. Connect with Aimbridge on LinkedIn.