Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale for $372 million, approximately $1.8 million per room, as the luxury hotel owner advances a broader portfolio restructuring and transition to self-management. The agreement was announced September 29, and Braemar has received a $10 million nonrefundable earnest … [More]
Scottsdale Based AI Firm Secuers $6M in Seed Funding
Dapta, an AI sales agent for small-and-medium sized businesses (SMBs) designed to convert inbound leads faster, announced $6 million in seed investment funding led by Chingona Ventures, with participation from Crew Capital, Broom Ventures, and Cometa VC. Previous pre-seed investors 500 Global and Fen Ventures also participated. Dapta’s AI sales agent, Dapti, instantly … [More]
National Jewelry Retailer Chooses Avondale for U.S. Debut of New Store Concept
Jared Jewelers has opened the first U.S. store featuring its newest retail design concept at Gateway Crossing in Avondale, placing Greater Phoenix at the forefront of the brand’s evolving luxury shopping experience. Located at 9995 W. McDowell Road, the store introduces a more personalized, immersive environment built around curated merchandise presentation, bespoke services … [More]
700-Location Burger Chain Continues Arizona Expansion with New West Valley Location
Shake Shack will expand its West Valley presence with a new restaurant at Verrado Marketplace in Buckeye on Tuesday, October 20. Located at 1505 N. Verrado Way, Suite 102, the opening continues the company’s growth in Greater Phoenix, a market it entered a decade ago. Shake Shack opened its first Arizona restaurant at Scottsdale Fashion Square in February 2016, followed by … [More]
Pickleball Chain Files Chapter 11 following Rapid Expansion into Arizona
The Picklr announced it has filed for a court-supervised restructuring under Chapter 11 to strengthen its financial foundation. In an October 10 statement, the indoor pickleball franchisor said its clubs remain open, members continue to play and franchise partners are operating their independently owned clubs as usual. The company has secured a $4.5 million financing … [More]
Phoenix Children’s Recruits Biopharma Executive to Lead Talent and Workforce Development
Phoenix Children's has appointed Wanda Shoer, MBA, as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective Nov. 2. In this role, Shoer will lead the health system's people strategy and teams that support talent acquisition, human resources, team member development and organizational effectiveness. Shoer will oversee initiatives that support workforce growth and employee … [More]
Arizona Semiconductor Giant Expands Space and Defense Capabilities with Acquisition
Microchip Technology Incorporated, a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions, announced that it has acquired VORAGO Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant microcontrollers and microprocessors, based in Austin, Texas. Terms of the transaction were not … [More]
National Bank Awards $400K to Expand Arizona Workforce and Career Programs
As access to economic mobility remains essential for a thriving Phoenix, Bank of America is investing in nonprofit leaders and organizations working to create a lasting positive impact in the community. The bank named New Pathways for Youth and Dress for Success Arizona as its 2026 Neighborhood Builders® awardees in Phoenix, recognizing their work to advance economic mobility … [More]
Falling Vacancy Masks Uneven Recovery in Phoenix’s Office Market
Phoenix’s office market is showing signs of improvement, but declining vacancy and renewed job growth are not translating into a uniform recovery. Newer buildings and sought-after locations are gaining ground, while older properties continue to face leasing challenges, according to Marcus & Millichap’s Q4 2026 Phoenix Metro Area Office report. The report points to a market … [More]
Scottsdale Gutter Home Services Enters Canada in First International Expansion
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, a leading gutter contractor franchise and part of the Evive Brands family, announced today its expansion into Canada, marking the brand's first international market and creating new franchise opportunities for Canadian entrepreneurs. Established in 1999 and franchising since 2015, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters has grown to more than 450 … [More]
Arizona Defense Giant Continues Contract Run with $6.3B Missile Deal
Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a five-year contract, with two additional option years, valued up to $6.3 billion for the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IB (SM‑3 IB) interceptors. The contract, which is part of the recent landmark agreements between Raytheon and the Department of War, supports urgent replenishment of missile defense inventory … [More]
Phoenix Symphony Opens 79th Season as New Artistic Leadership Takes Shape
The Phoenix Symphony opens its 79th season October 9-11 at Symphony Hall with Paolo Conducts Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev, led by newly appointed Virginia G. Piper Music Director Designate Paolo Bortolameolli and featuring celebrated pianist Olga Kern. The opening weekend marks the beginning of Bortolameolli’s tenure as Music Director Designate, bringing an international … [More]
Gilbert Pairs National Music Acts with Local Food at Sound Bites Festival
Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors and Phoenix’s own Wyves take the stage Friday, October 9, as the Sound Bites Music & Food Festival returns to Gilbert Regional Park. Presented by Earnhardt Hyundai San Tan and Hunter Contracting Co., the all-ages event runs from 4:30 to 10 p.m., pairing live music with local food trucks, restaurant pop-ups and craft drinks. Grammy Award-winning … [More]
Desert Botanical Garden Welcomes Fall with 10-Day Festival
Desert Botanical Garden celebrates the return of outdoor season with its Great Fall Kickoff Festival, running October 9–18. The 10-day celebration brings seasonal activities, hands-on crafts, live music and fall-inspired food to the Phoenix destination, with experiences for visitors of all ages. The festival coincides with the opening of Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding, an … [More]
Defense Electronics Manufacturer Adds 50,000 SF to Phoenix Production Hub
Mercury Systems, Inc., a global leader in aerospace and defense electronics, celebrated the expansion of its Phoenix production facility, adding 50,000-square-feet of manufacturing space that allows the company to increase production capacity and accelerate delivery timelines through vertical integration to support critical U.S. and international defense programs. As the … [More]
Grand Canyon University Names Founding Dean of Newly Established College of Law
For James L. Williams, the practice of law has never been separate from his Christian faith. It is a calling – an opportunity to pursue justice, serve others and use his professional gifts for a greater purpose. That conviction will now shape the development of Grand Canyon University's new College of Law. GCU has named Williams, an accomplished Phoenix attorney and longtime … [More]
Experience Scottsdale and JSX Launch Two-Year Luxury Tourism Campaign
On Oct. 7, an aircraft decorated with cacti-dotted mountains and a Sonoran Desert sunrise landed at Scottsdale Airport. The flight, carrying 30 passengers from Hollywood Burbank Airport, was the first of many for the Scottsdale-branded plane, part of a new, two-year partnership between Experience Scottsdale and JSX, the semi-private airline that has flown out of Scottsdale … [More]
Fitness and Recovery Brand Enters Arizona with Two Valley Studios Planned
Smart Fit Method will open its first Arizona location combining health assessments, personalized coaching, fitness training, and recovery services. The 3,500-square-foot studio will open Nov. 15 at 11260 N. Tatum Blvd. in Paradise Valley and is designed to help members improve strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Smart Fit Method was founded in 2021 by father-and-son … [More]
