Oklahoma Tourism Dept. taking proposals for bidders wanting to operate state park restaurants
In September, Tourism Department officials announced that all restaurants in state parks run by Lookout Kitchen had closed
OKLAHOMA CITY —
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department released a request for proposal for bidders who want to operate restaurants in state parks.
| RELATED VIDEO ABOVE | Oklahoma files $5 million lawsuit against operator of state park restaurants
In September, Tourism Department officials announced that all restaurants in state parks run by Lookout Kitchen had closed. The closure comes after a past-due payment dispute between the state agency and Lookout Kitchen.
The Oklahoma Office of Management and Emergency Services filed a $5 million lawsuit against Lookout Kitchen, claiming the company violated its contract and was negligent in its operations.
Part of the claims pointed to a fire in one of the locations in December 2024. The state also says investigations discovered that there was significant damage after a rag full of grease caught fire.
Video Below: Oklahoma state park restaurants face permanent closure
Now, the Tourism Department and OMES are taking proposals to operate five restaurants in state parks.
The state parks with restaurants included in the request for proposal include Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Quartz Mountain, Robbers Cave, and Roman Nose. A news release states that Sequoyah State Park will not be included at this time due to ongoing remediation of the restaurant.
“I am well aware of the challenges this agency has faced surrounding the operations of state parks restaurants,” OTRD Executive Director Amy Blackburn said in the news release. “This new RFP structure is designed to be mutually beneficial to the restaurant operator and our state parks.”
Some of the details in the request for proposal to ensure successful restaurant operations include:
Individual park restaurants can be bid on separatelyNo requirement for the restaurant to operate in a full-service capacity year-roundAll restaurant types are welcome to bidFlexibility on the revenue share model
“We’ve invested in creating a welcoming atmosphere at our lodges, and guests should expect a positive restaurant experience when they visit,” Blackburn said. “We have a responsibility to Oklahoma taxpayers to get this right.”
Bidders interested can set up mandatory site visits beginning on Feb. 18, and request for proposal responses must be submitted by 3 p.m. March 23. Information on how to register as a bidder or supplier can be found here.
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