Phoenix AZ, February 3, 2026
Sam Fox’s Author & Edit Hospitality, based in Phoenix, is entering a national expansion phase with the promotion of Geoff Gray to President. This strategic decision aims to strengthen leadership and ensure operational excellence as the company scales its luxury hospitality concepts across the United States. The focus is also on maintaining a distinctive brand identity while exploring new markets. Additionally, Author & Edit’s flagship property, The Global Ambassador, has already earned accolades, underscoring the region’s thriving hospitality sector.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Hospitality Pioneer Sam Fox Elevates Leadership as Author & Edit Eyes National Horizon
Sam Fox’s Author & Edit Hospitality, a Phoenix-based venture rooted in entrepreneurial innovation, is embarking on a new phase of national expansion, marked by the promotion of Geoff Gray to President. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to scaling its distinctive luxury hospitality concepts across the nation, further solidifying Phoenix’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking business development.
The promotion of Geoff Gray underscores a focus on strengthening leadership as the company plans for significant growth beyond its Arizona roots. This expansion reflects the vision of local entrepreneurs like Sam Fox, whose career exemplifies personal achievement and a keen understanding of market opportunities, fostering economic dynamism and job creation in the hospitality sector.
Strategic Leadership for National Growth
Author & Edit Hospitality, founded by renowned hotelier and restaurateur Sam Fox, has appointed Geoff Gray as its President. This elevation follows Gray’s significant contributions since joining the company in 2022 as a managing director. With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Gray is now tasked with overseeing the company’s entire portfolio, including its overarching strategy, operations, and development as it expands nationally.
This leadership reinforcement is timely as the company moves into a new phase of national expansion, with additional brands and new markets actively being considered for development. The strategic appointment of Gray is aimed at supporting long-term growth while ensuring that the core properties continue to maintain their operational excellence.
The Global Ambassador: A Phoenix Success Story
A cornerstone of Author & Edit Hospitality’s success is The Global Ambassador, its flagship property located in Phoenix. This luxury hotel, which opened in 2023, is an internationally inspired destination featuring 141 rooms. It boasts five original dining concepts, meticulously crafted by Sam Fox, one of the country’s foremost culinary innovators.
The Global Ambassador quickly established its prominence, earning a MICHELIN key in its inaugural year and receiving recognition as one of the country’s best new hotels from leading national authorities. Situated at the intersection of 44th Street and Camelback Road, the hotel also includes a wellness center and a unique member’s club, the first of its kind in Arizona with limited membership. Furthermore, it features the largest rooftop in Arizona, spanning 18,000 square feet, offering views of Camelback Mountain.
Expanding Horizons: Nashville and Beyond
Beyond Phoenix, Author & Edit Hospitality has also seen success with The Twelve Thirty Club in downtown Nashville. This multi-faceted destination is a partnership with musician Justin Timberlake and has garnered acclaim for its blend of elevated cuisine, world-class cocktails, and dynamic live music across multiple levels and distinct spaces. The Twelve Thirty Club has already hosted notable figures, including Elton John, Eric Church, Zac Brown, and Morgan Wallen.
The company’s national expansion plans include the announced extension of The Twelve Thirty Club to Austin, Texas, indicating a clear strategy for broader market penetration. This move illustrates a calculated approach to private investment and strategic partnerships, driving economic growth in new regions while leveraging proven concepts.
Sam Fox’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Sam Fox’s career is a testament to Arizona AZ entrepreneurs and their capacity for sustained innovation. With over two decades in the restaurant industry, Fox has opened more than 100 restaurants, earning him 11-12 James Beard Award nominations for Restaurateur of the Year. In 2019, Fox sold his well-known Fox Restaurant Concepts to The Cheesecake Factory for $353 million, yet he continues to oversee its daily operations. This entrepreneurial spirit is now fully channeled into Author & Edit Hospitality, a venture that represents his long-held ambition to own and manage luxury hotels.
Phoenix’s Thriving Hospitality Landscape
The Phoenix AZ business environment, particularly its hospitality sector, is experiencing dynamic growth. The market welcomes a diverse range of travelers, including vacationers, business groups, and corporate groups. Recent years have seen a strong comeback in hotel performance, although monthly numbers are now showing slight shifts across all hotel categories. Phoenix has one of the highest numbers of rooms under construction in the country, with 4,475 rooms currently in development.
Visitor spending in the Phoenix metropolitan area reached $12.9 billion in 2023, marking a 7.6% increase over the prior year and 27.1% over 2019. Approximately 35% of this spending, roughly $4.5 billion, was directed toward lodging. The market’s resilience is further supported by a robust event calendar, including major professional sports events and outdoor leisure activities. Upcoming events like the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four and the 2027 NBA All-Star Game are expected to generate long-term demand among sports fans, contributing to sustained Phoenix small business growth. Current occupancy in the Phoenix region stands at 68.6%, which is notable given a 13% expansion in room inventory since 2019, adding 85 hotels and 10,000 rooms.
Conclusion
The expansion of Author & Edit Hospitality and the strategic promotion of Geoff Gray signal a new chapter for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs in the luxury hospitality sector. This development not only underscores the innovative spirit emanating from Phoenix but also highlights the potential for national economic growth through private sector leadership. The continued success of ventures like The Global Ambassador and the strategic expansion of The Twelve Thirty Club are vital indicators of a healthy and growing market. Supporting local businesses and staying engaged in Phoenix’s evolving economic future is crucial as these enterprises continue to drive job creation and enhance the city’s reputation as a premier destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Author & Edit Hospitality?
Author & Edit Hospitality is a company founded by Sam Fox to enter the luxury hotel business.
Who is Geoff Gray?
Geoff Gray has been appointed President of Author & Edit Hospitality. He joined the company in 2022 as a managing director and has over two decades of luxury hospitality experience.
What is Geoff Gray’s role at Author & Edit Hospitality?
As President, Geoff Gray will oversee Author & Edit Hospitality’s full portfolio, guiding overall strategy, operations, and development as the company scales nationally.
What are the flagship properties of Author & Edit Hospitality?
The flagship properties of Author & Edit Hospitality are The Global Ambassador in Phoenix and The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville.
What is The Global Ambassador?
The Global Ambassador is a luxury hotel in Phoenix with 141 rooms and five original dining concepts. It opened in 2023 and earned a MICHELIN key in its first year.
What is The Twelve Thirty Club?
The Twelve Thirty Club is a multi-faceted destination in downtown Nashville, known for its elevated cuisine, world-class cocktails, and live music. It is expanding to Austin, Texas.
What is the current state of the Phoenix hospitality market?
The Phoenix hospitality market is dynamic, experiencing growth with high construction activity. In 2023, visitor spending in the Phoenix metropolitan area reached $12.9 billion.
How many hotel rooms are currently under construction in Phoenix?
Phoenix has 4,475 hotel rooms currently under construction.
Key Features of Author & Edit Hospitality’s Expansion
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Company Founder | Sam Fox | Nationwide |
| New President | Geoff Gray | Nationwide |
| Gray’s Experience | Over two decades in luxury hospitality | Nationwide |
| Expansion Focus | National growth with additional brands and new markets | Nationwide |
| Phoenix Flagship Property | The Global Ambassador | State-level |
| Nashville Flagship Property | The Twelve Thirty Club | Nationwide |
| Upcoming Expansion (Twelve Thirty Club) | Austin, Texas | Nationwide |
| Global Ambassador Recognition | MICHELIN key in first year, one of the best new hotels in the country | Nationwide |
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