On a cold Oklahoma morning—17 degrees—more than 100 people waited in doorways or in their cars for the 10 a.m. opening of Cherokee Casino Grove. An official grand opening will take place in January.
The 39,000 square foot facility, built in less than one year, is the tenth location for the Cherokee Nation. Principal Chief Bill John Baker called it a “win-win-win” for northeast Oklahoma, the Grand Lake region and the Cherokee Nation. It created more than 170 new jobs. Willie Whitekiller serves as the property’s general manager.
Amenities include electronic gaming machines, an as-yet unnamed restaurant headed by chef Randy Ligon, a bar and live music venue.
