Breaking into the American market was the next logical step for Sandman Hotel Group, who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, as the Canadian hospitality company has deep-rooted connections in Texas. Not only does Gaglardi have family in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, he spent a lot of his childhood in Texas as his mother grew up in Longview.

“My mother's a Texan and met my dad at college in Longview, Texas, so half my family is in Texas. As a kid, I would visit my grandparents every summer and every Christmas which is why Texas has such a special place in my heart,” said Gaglardi.

In 2011, Gaglardi jumped at the opportunity to purchase the Dallas Stars along with 50% of the American Airlines Center. With his love and connection to the Lone Star State, it was the perfect fit for both Gaglardi and the NHL team. A few years later, in 2014, Gaglardi expanded his reach in the southern state and purchased the Texas Stars—Dallas' American Hockey League affiliate.

“The significance and location of this new property makes this the perfect hotel asset for us,” says Gaglardi. “This is a fantastic market for us to grow into, and we are incredibly proud that our first American hotel is here in Plano.”

The hotel's location offers access to Dr. Pepper Arena (home of the Dallas Stars practice facility), Ford Center at The Star (home to the Dallas Cowboys Football Operations), numerous conference centers, and a short drive to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Located on the border of Plano/Frisco, the hotel is surrounded by sports venues, conference facilities, golf courses, shopping centers and restaurants.

Among the hotel's amenities include two on-site restaurants, Moxie's Grill & Bar (currently open) and Shark Club Sports Bar Grill (opening March 2019), an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, two hospitality lounges, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.