The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Lookout Kitchen reached an agreement to reopen restaurants in Oklahoma State Parks. The Lookout location at Lake Murray will reopen Tuesday, according to the press release.
The locations at Beavers Bend, Quartz Mountain, Robbers Cave and Roman Nose state parks will reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16.
Pursuant to Lookout’s contract with the state, the restaurant was permitted 30 days to become compliant following the suspension of restaurant operations inside state parks July 8. After ongoing discussions, the agreement to reopen the restaurants was reached Monday.
The agreement included a plan for Lookout to make payments on past due money to OTRD totaling $274,585.88. The additional $19,642.36 accounts for Lookout’s May monthly royalty and utility payments owed to OTRD.
Lookout’s first payment of the plan, $65,000, and was submitted Monday. The remaining five installments are scheduled to be made between July 28 and November 15.
“This agreement to reopen Lookout restaurants inside our state parks is a positive development for our park guests as we work to minimize disruptions to park operations,” OTRD Executive Director Sterling Zearley said. “This agreed upon payment plan gives Lookout a pathway to compliance, while also providing a valuable amenity to state park visitors.”
(AT RIGHT)An employee puts up signage at the Lookout Kitchen at Roman Nose State Park, May, 2023.