INSIDE THE SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Anna Litovskaya Leads Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona p. 8 Do We Miss Our Dogs More Than They Miss Us? P. 10 Event Planning Sisters Build on Clients’ Visions P. 12
The Fitness Industry is Expected to Continue to Thrive G
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
rowing interest in health invigorates marketplaces with wellness tenants. In the past few years, malls and marketplaces across the country have seen a burgeoning demand from communities for tenants that offer a wide range of offerings for health and wellness. In fact, according to a 2024
McKinsey survey, 82% of U.S. consumers now consider wellness a top priority, resulting in a global health and wellness market that has reached $5.8 million and is projected to soar to nearly $14 trillion by 2032. A trend in online shopping, which accelerated during COVID-19, saw the decline of some department stores in retail malls and marketplaces. Newly created vacant spaces have
attracted fitness and wellness centers that have become a new kind of anchor for the traditional retail space. Clients at spas, gyms, pickleball courts, cycling classes and Pilates clubs generate steady foot traffic, particularly during non-traditional mall hours. Cross shopping is often a result, as visitors seeking self-care also frequent restaurants and retailers after their workouts.
This strong consumer focus on well-being is evident in Flagstaff, long considered a fit and healthy town, with a community that embraces fresh air and abundant recreational opportunities. Seeking an active lifestyle, residents and tourists alike have been drawn to Aspen Place at the Sawmill (named in honor of the historic Stone Forest Sawmill), which
ACF Endows Habitat’s Starter Home Project p. 14 Locals and Visitors Enjoy Cottonwood’s Modern Rec Center p. 27 Vegans Delight Over Plant-Based Virgin Cheese p. 28
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passport on Route 66
Continued on page 39
Across the Country and Back: Americana’s New GM Returns to his Northern Arizona Roots
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Americana General Manager Dominic Nez enjoys welcoming guests in the vibrant hotel. Photo by Peter Corbett
September 2025 | Issue 9 Volume 18
By Peter Corbett, FBN
ominic Nez, the new general manager of Flagstaff’s Americana Motor Hotel, says he got into the hospitality industry because of a late lunch and serendipity. Nez was interested in becoming an accountant. That plan went out the classroom window when he was attending orientation sessions at Northern Arizona University 25 years ago. After a late lunch with his mother, the only session left that afternoon was for the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Professor Jon Hales “sold me on hospitality and he became my mentor and advisor. It worked out perfectly for [me],” said Nez, who has a long resume with hotel management jobs in Phoenix, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Florida and across the Southwest. “Up to that point, I had always dreamed of
seeing the world and was delighted to find a career path that would allow me to do exactly that.” Nez was director of operations at the Americana, joining the team a few months after the renovated hotel opened in July 2023. He was appointed general manager this spring replacing Zach Miller. Nez leads a staff of 17 employees and four managers. The new GM will “focus on elevating day-today operations, deepening guest connections and leading the hotel into its next phase of growth in the Flagstaff community,” according to a news release from Practice Hospitality. In 2023, the Dallas-based hotel management company led the colorful renovation of the 1962 motor hotel on Route 66. Nez’s experience includes leadership roles at four Sedona resorts – a Hilton, Poco Diablo, Amara and Element. Continued on page 37
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