Plano-based IT services firm Improving has acquired Frisco-based tech solutions company Zigatta, which specializes in cloud, data, and marketing technology. The acquisition will increase Improving’s annualized revenue to $275 million and expand Improving’s footprint throughout the U.S. and Latin America.
“There is apparent alignment between our two companies,” says Curtis Hite, CEO of Improving. “From the beginning, we have been impressed with the Zigatta team and their commitment to building strong relationships with customers as well as cultivating a strong company culture.”
Zigatta’s leadership team will remain intact and continue to run and grow the business, while operating within Improving’s collective offerings.
“Improving shares our passion and commitment to company values, giving back to the community and delivering excellent technology solutions for our customers,” says Nahid Giga, CEO of Zigatta. “Being part of Improving will provide us a collection of new capabilities and offerings to better serve our customers current and future needs. We could not be more thrilled to join their growth focused journey.”
Looking ahead, Hite shared with D CEO what excites him most about the future: “Improving’s ambition to take our company public, and to reward so many people for their dedication and hard work.”
Semi-private Jet Company Aero Launches Dallas Hub
Luxury semi-private jet service Aero is expanding its services from the West Coast markets for the first time, with the launch of a new hub at Dallas Love Field Airport. The announcement of the Dallas hub comes on the heels of the San Francisco-based company’s $65 million Series B funding round—which is set to fuel a global expansion.
The Dallas hub will operate out of Signature Aviation’s private terminal at Love Field with direct routes to Los Cabos and Aspen with first flights coming April 21 and May 18, respectively. Aero boasts a fleet of black-wrapped, 16-seat aircrafts.
“Aero is growing fast, and we look forward to bringing the Aero experience to new markets in the coming months,” Uma Subramanian, CEO of Aero, said after the Series B fundraising.
Construction Starts on New Flower Mound Residential Tower
Merriman Anderson Architects and Realty Capital Residential recently broke ground on the 16-story luxury residential tower located at 3111 Sunset Boulevard on Lake Grapevine in Flower Mound. Part of the new Lakeside Village development, the 207-unit residential tower will include a golf simulator, billiards room, full-service bar, concierge, fitness center, valet, on-site structured parking for retail and residents, dog wash station, guest suites, and an elevated pool deck overlooking Lake Grapevine with a pool, spa, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Lakeside Village is in the final phase of the 160-acre mixed-use project, which features an existing residential tower, hotels, lakefront restaurants, office space, retail shops, walking trails, and an outdoor performance venue.
“Residents of the new luxury tower will be provided with state-of-the-art amenities as well as entertainment, dining and shopping options within walking distance,” says Jennifer Picquet-Reyes, principal at MAA. “The residences offer fantastic views of Lake Grapevine and the Spanish Mediterranean design of the building cohesively aligns with the architectural style of the entire Lakeside Village project.”
The building is expected to be completed in 2025.
Chili’s Founder Larry Lavine Launches New BBQ Concept
In 1975, Larry Lavine founded Chili’s. Nearly 50 years later, the Dallas restaurateur is opening a new barbecue concept in Grand Prairie in March called Loop 9 BBQ. The restaurant will be one of the first restaurants to open in Grand Prairie’s growing 172-acre entertainment center, EpicCentral.
Loop 9’s name comes from public officials’ efforts to build a DFW “outer outer” route that would ease traffic from what would become DFW Airport. Funding problems plagued the so-called Loop 9 route ever since project leaders held the first public hearings in Grand Prairie, and the ambitious roadway proposal remained on the back burner for decades. Today, the city’s 161 Corridor thrives with new development underway. EpicCentral development is at the center, complete with amusement parks, hotels, a conference center, and a row of restaurants where Loop 9 BBQ will be the headliner.
Loop 9’s menu will offer all the barbecue classics, including prime-grade brisket, ribs, Texas sausages, and more.