Overview

• The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department said the shutdown is permanent and will close Lookout Kitchen restaurants at six state parks on Sept. 30.
• Once doors close, the state will offer grab-and-go service and publish catering options, with a request for proposals for a new vendor planned in the coming weeks.
• The action follows months of contract disputes, including a May 16 letter alleging $254,943.52 in unpaid 8% gross-receipts fees and utilities and demanding a $500,000 surety bond or letter of credit.
• After a July systemwide shutdown, a conditional deal called for monthly payments through Nov. 15 toward a $274,585.88 balance, and the state recorded a $65,000 payment on July 14.
• One site at Robbers Cave cited serious, unrepaired kitchen safety issues in posts about its earlier closure, and some lawmakers said they were briefed beforehand and described the parting as mutual.