Aimbridge sues former CEO, co-founder

DALLAS – Hotel Investment Today has learned that Aimbridge Hospitality on December 5 filed a lawsuit in the Dallas County 14^th District Court requesting a temporary restraining order, a temporary injunction and permanent injunction against former Aimbridge CEO, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder David Johnson for allegedly violating contractual restrictive covenant obligations.

Aimbridge told Hotel Investment Today, “Per company policy, we do not comment on active litigation.” Johnson, now co-founder and managing partner at Horizon Capital Partners in McKinney, Texas, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

In its filing, Aimbridge stated that under the most recent and operative contract, execute May 26, 2023, Aimbridge retained Johnson as a consultant for a four-year term to September 30, 2027. During this period, Aimbridge said it has paid and continues to pay Johnson millions in consulting fees, along with other considerations.

In exchange, Aimbridge said Johnson promised not to compete or solicit its customers or employees and agreed to make himself available to provide consulting service for up to 4 to 6 hours per month.

Notwithstanding his promises, Aimbridge alleged Johnson recently traveled with multiple senior executives from Dreamscape Hospitality Management to facilitate meetings with a hotel owner who is a current Aimbridge customer.

Aimbridge further stated in its lawsuit that Dreamscape, founded in 2024, quickly hired more than 20 current or former Aimbridge employees, including its president, and has become a key Aimbridge competitor.

As a result, Aimbridge alleges Johnson’s conduct was in direct and flagrant violation of the contractual obligation, and its filing motioned for expedited discovery.

This lawsuit follows a June 2024 filing by Aimbridge when they sued former COO Robert Burg and Avion Hospitality for allegedly stealing confidential data to poach hotel contracts, resulting in significant losses for Aimbridge.