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Plano, Texas Hosted Nearly 4 Million Visitors In 2022-23
This year, May 19-25 marks National Travel & Tourism Week, an annual celebration by the U.S. Travel Association highlighting the vital role of travel in fueling our economy, nurturing lively communities and fostering connections. In honor of the week, Visit Plano recently announced that Plano welcomes nearly 4 million visitors, contributing over $950 million in direct spending at its hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year (Oct. 2022-Sept. 2023), Plano welcomed an estimated 3.7 million overnight visitors. In 2022, Plano's visitor economy thrived, generating a substantial $962,554,296 in direct visitor spending and contributing over $92,085,000 in local and state...
Bank of America Dallas President, Jennifer Chandler, On Not Backing Down In Business
Jennifer Chandler is managing director, president of Bank America Dallas and head of philanthropic solutions for Bank of America — and soon she will be on stage at Local Profile's Inaugural Women in Business Leadership Symposium on June 13. As we celebrate the many women who make North Texas businesses successful, they offer invaluable advice for those advancing in their own careers. Tickets are quickly selling out, secure your spot here! As president, Chandler directs effective collaboration across multiple lines of business, advancing purposeful engagement with client priorities. Deeply committed to corporate stewardship, she serves on the Bank of America Foundation committee and promotes a culture...
Tacodeli To Open First Fort Worth Location
Tacodeli, a Texas-based farm-to-taco taqueria, is gearing up to open its first Fort Worth establishment in Fall 2024. Located at 4500 Hartwood Drive in the Tanglewood neighborhood, this marks the taqueria's 13th shop, expanding its presence into the Fort Worth culinary landscape. Founded in 1999, Tacodeli has become a Texas staple. It offers patrons a menu deeply rooted in Mexican flavors and community engagement. From breakfast to dinner, all dishes, including the renowned salsa Doña, are meticulously prepared by hand, showcasing Tacodeli’s commitment to quality and authenticity. “One of the most important foundations of Tacodeli was to always serve the highest-quality product...
Dallas Wages Begin Catching Up To Rent Prices
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in rent prices, outpacing the growth in wages. However, last year provided a glimmer of hope, as wages outpaced rent increases nationally and in nearly half of the major U.S. metropolitan areas — including in Dallas According to a recent analysis of rental data from Zillow, U.S. rents have been growing 1.5 times faster than wages since 2019. The demand for rentals from the sizable millennial generation, many of whom have opted to rent for longer durations compared to previous generations, as well as from Gen Z adults, has collided with the...
First Rides Announced For Peppa Pig Theme Park In North Texas
Merlin Entertainments announced the unveiling of the initial trio of rides at the Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills, Texas. These vibrant and child-friendly attractions comprise Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride and Mr. Bull's High Striker. This construction signals the approach to the grand opening later this year. North Richland Hills is set to welcome the second Peppa Pig Theme Park in the United States, inspired by the cherished Hasbro preschool franchise tailored for young children and their families. The park will be owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments, a prominent figure in family entertainment experiences...
Plano West Alumnus Named Finalist In French Fashion Festival
Logan Goff, a former Plano ISD student from Plano West Senior High School class of 2019, clinched a coveted spot as the sole U.S. representative at the esteemed 39th Annual Festival de Hyères. Set to take place from October 10-13, 2024, in Hyères, France, this event serves as a launchpad for emerging talents in fashion, photography and accessories. Goff joins an elite cohort of ten finalists vying for top honors at the festival. Throughout the event, conceived in 1986 by the visionary Jean-Pierre Blanc, the finalists will showcase their collections via showrooms and fashion presentations, engaging both public and professional audiences...
Top 15 Things To Do This Weekend In Dallas & Collin County
There's something to do for everyone in North Texas this week, from dancing donkeys to rocking concerts and everything in between. Join the Little Farmer Fridays: Donkey Dance Party for giggles and grooves or catch Nicki Minaj's electrifying Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Sing along to George Strait hits or immerse yourself in art and music at Reflection: Hope, Peace and the Chaconne. Lace-up your running shoes for the Shoots and Ladders 5K & 10K or groove to the Mars Hill Band. And with a murder mystery dinner, emo orchestra a bounce park and, of course, plenty of Mother's Day events, the fun never stops in...
Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan And More To Perform At ACM Awards
The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards lineup of star-studded performances and exclusive collaborations was just unveiled. Country Music’s Party of the Year is set to become even more monumental with Post Malone making his debut on the prestigious stage. Joining him are newly added performances by 2022 New Male Artist of the Year Parker McCollum and a lineup of dynamic duets featuring Female Artist and Album of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, New Male Artist of the Year nominee Nate Smith with Avril Lavigne and six-time ACM Award winner Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani. Set to grace the...
Best Patios In Addison, Texas
It’s officially patio season for North Texas and as the weather continues to warm up, there’s no better way to spend your time than on one of Addison’s many fantastic patios. Here’s some of the best: Antonio Ristorante 4985 Addison Cir, Addison For over three decades, this family-run eatery has been delighting patrons with genuine Italian cuisine. Settle into their outdoor patio, where you can relish in the flavors of homemade pasta and pizza while soaking up the warmth of the Texan sun. Positioned on the Circle, Antonio Ristorante boasts not only a charming patio but also an extensive wine selection, making it an...
Seven Collin College Students Win Gold At Texas SkillsUSA
Collin College students triumphed at the Texas SkillsUSA Postsecondary Competition in Houston from April 18 to 20, 2024, securing seven gold medals and clinching spots in the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, this June. This is Collin College students' second time participating in the SkillsUSA arena. SkillsUSA is a workforce...
Allen Premium Outlets Unveils Memorial On Mass Shooting Anniversary
On the solemn occasion of the first anniversary of the tragic events of May 6, 2023, a lasting tribute was revealed at the Allen Premium Outlets. The monument stands in memory of the lives lost. The memorial is positioned within the northwest interior section of the outlet mall, adjacent to the flagpoles and communal seating, near West Elm. Crafted from hand-painted stainless steel, it weighs approximately 1,800 pounds, according to WFAA. In tribute to the eight individuals tragically lost in the shooting, the memorial features eight wind chimes. Among those remembered are the Cho family: Kyu, Cindy, and their 3-year-old son, James;...
Interview with Chef Vijay Sadhu: Redefining Culinary Excellence At FANZO
Renowned for his culinary expertise, Chef Vijay Sadhu shares his journey into the world of cooking On April 14, FANZO Sports Bar in Frisco, Texas, welcomed guests to a watch party for the premiere of Food Network’s adrenaline-fueled cooking competition, 24 in 24 Last Standing Chef. Among the contestants were two esteemed North Texas residents: FANZO’s executive chef Vijay Sadhu and chef Kess Eshun. The event, held at FANZO's upscale locale in the heart of Frisco, was an evening of culinary delights and high-stakes drama as guests tuned in to witness the culinary prowess of these local talents. Chef Vijay Sadhu, renowned...
Week-Long Literary Festival Returning To Dallas
The second annual Dallas Is Lit! Literary Festival is set to make its grand return to the North Texas city from May 13-19, 2024. The week-long event, which will be happening in the Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff, is a yearly celebration of the "words, ideas, community and creativity" that make up literary works, according to The Writer’s Garret — the independent literary center behind the event. This year's festival will feature numerous workshops, readings and performances, including the big marquee event: Iluminado: In Conversation with Javier Zamora. “We are thrilled to bring Javier Zamora to Oak Cliff,” said Claudia Vega, founder of Whose Books and executive director of ARCO, who is co-sponsoring Zamora’s...
The Art (And Science) Of Cocktails At Lombardi Family Concepts
It's not yet noon, and we're already drinking. Coffee, that is. At least, I am. Andrew Stofko is drinking mineral water. And yet, here we are at Taverna in Legacy West, on a bright late spring morning, talking about booze. "I thought this would be a good place to meet," says Stofko, decked out in a white sport coat and skinny jeans. "The ambiance is good." Stofko is the beverage director for Lombardi Family Concepts, the restaurant group behind Lombardi Cucina Italiana, KĀI, Toulouse and Maison Chinoise, among others. He makes some of the most delicious — and beautiful — drinks in...
$100 Million Anna ISD Bond Rejected By Voters
During the May 4, 2024 election, Collin County voters rejected a $100 million bond proposal for updated athletic facilities. The bond proposal aimed to double the stadium's current capacity, as well as add a turf field, press box, locker rooms and more. Yet the bond faced opposition from 57% of voters. Local Profile reached out to Anna ISD for comment but did not receive a response prior to publishing. This story will be updated pending response. The existing Anna ISD stadium accommodates up to 4,600 spectators. As the city of Anna and Anna ISD experienced significant expansion, the new stadium was poised to...
Lessons Learned from Family Law Attorney Michelle O'Neil
North Texas is booming for small and large businesses alike. But those beyond these companies can provide an insight into what makes these businesses successful and what it means to be a leader in our community. Local Profile recently interviewed Family Law Specialist Michelle May O'Neil. O'Neil has more than 25 years of experience representing small business owners, professionals and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody and complex property division. O’Neil has been recognized as one of the top family law attorneys locally, statewide and Nationally, including being featured in Local Profle’s Top Lawyers issue. How has your...
Galleria Dallas Hosts Recycled Trash Fashion Exhibit
Dallas-based architectural firm HKS is running a free exhibit at Galleria to combat climate change and social disparities. The fashion on display is made of completely recycled materials. Through Trashion, they creatively repurpose everyday materials into unique garments, showcasing how design can address global environmental and social issues. The 2024 edition of Trashion revolves around the theme of the elements: water, air, earth and fire. Garments are required to either withstand the elements, reflect the interplay between fashion and nature, or embody one of the elemental forces. The materials used in Trashion creations must also be at least 90% reused or repurposed, in...
Frisco Water Park Prepares for Summer Splash
As summer approaches, the Frisco Water Park is gearing up for an exciting season with several updates to enhance visitor experiences. Announced via the city of Frisco's Facebook page under the hashtag #ProgressinMotion, the park is scheduled to open its gates on Memorial Day weekend. Since opening in 2008 and expanding in 2015, the Frisco Water Park has been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The park boasts a range of attractions, including a lazy river, slides and play areas with splash features. With nearly 100,000 seasonal visitors, regular maintenance is crucial to uphold the park's standards. Currently, staff at...
Plano-Richardson Police Academy Celebrates 20th Graduation
The Plano-Richardson Police Academy celebrated the graduation of its 20th Basic Peace Officer Class (BPOC 20) on May 2, 2024. Police recruit officers from the Plano, Richardson, Allen, McKinney and Frisco Police Departments completed their training, which began on October 16, 2023, after undergoing 1080 hours of rigorous instruction, including both theoretical and practical components, these recruits were tested and prepared for the demanding realities of law enforcement. Among the outstanding performers was Recruit Officer Luther of the Frisco Police Department, who clinched the coveted Overall Top Cop Award for excelling in academic performance, physical fitness and firearms proficiency. Similarly impressive...
The Top 10 Things To Do This Week In Dallas & Collin County
Step into a world of excitement with this vibrant lineup of things to do! From discovering the art of modern calligraphy to grooving to the iconic sounds of Cypress Hill, this list will hit the right tune for everyone. Continue your week by exploring a unique parks and arts mixer, immerse yourself in the legendary tunes of Luis Miguel or network with fellow business owners at Chamber Works. Those experiences and so much more are on the calendar for another fun and exciting week in North Texas that will satisfy your eyes, ears and tastes buds. Don't forget to scroll all the way down to see...
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