JENKS, Okla. — GolfSuites on the Riverwalk is closed after the Muscogee Creek Nation evicted the business on April 23.
The MCN said the eviction notice came after GolfSuites breached its lease agreement with the Riverwalk Crossing commercial property.
Logan Richards was a server at GolfSuites for the last two years. He said he learned about the closure and that he was out of a job through a workgroup text on the morning of April 23.
"It’s kind of a slap to the face in some ways," said Richards. "Not particularly for me, but there were a lot of people here at this job that needed it, and they’re having to go home and provide for their families and they can’t anymore."
In a message sent to staff, business leaders said, 'After exhaustive efforts to resolve challenges with property owners, we have regrettably been unable to continue operations.'
Today, the District Court for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation issued an order of eviction against GolfSuites Tulsa, LLC (GolfSuites) for breaching its lease agreement with the Riverwalk Crossing commercial property in Jenks. Riverwalk Crossing is owned by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Onefire Holding Company, LLC (Onefire), a business enterprise of the Nation, is the landlord for the property.
GolfSuites has operated at Riverwalk Crossing since 2019. Beginning in December 2022, Onefire made efforts to work with GolfSuites to maintain their tenancy, but ultimately, their inability to fulfill their lease obligations left Onefire with no option but to pursue eviction. In November 2023, due to GolfSuites’ noncompliance with the lease terms, Onefire was compelled to file a lawsuit in the Nation's District Court seeking to recover possession of the leased property and fulfillment of outstanding financial obligations.
Onefire Interim CEO Debbie Severson said, “We value the relationships we have with our tenants at Riverwalk Crossing, and the economic contributions they bring to the local community are significant. However, Onefire also has a responsibility to the Nation and its Citizens to uphold sound business practices and principles in our management of Riverwalk Crossing.”
Members who spoke to 2 News weren't notified at all. They didn't know the spot had closed until they arrived at GolfSuites to play.
James Debaca was a frequent visitor, coming out to the driving range multiple times a week. He said he was shocked to find a locked door when he tried to golf.
"I’m kind of at a loss for words, I always though they did good business, good staff, I have no idea why they’d be closed," said Debaca. "There was always people here, at least a couple dozen people out there playing. You know, they had decent food, they always had sporting events here on the weekends so it seemed like it was doing good from a business standpoint.'
Richards said there had never been discussions of closing the Jenks spots, only of expanding and opening more GolfSuites locations around the country.
About 100 people lost their jobs through the closure. Richards said the community at GolfSuites was unmatched by anywhere else he had ever worked.
"Some of my closest friendships now just came from here," he said. "Now, these people that I’ve loved for so long are left with no job, no nothing. It’s just unfortunate."
GolfSuites was at the Riverside location since 2019. The MCN said beginning in December 2022, the business struggled to fulfill its lease obligations.
2 News visited GolfSuites after a viewer called and said their son had been laid off from the business. Doors were closed, and people could be seen leaving the building with boxes.
GolfSuites posted this statement on Facebook:
We'll update this story as we learn more.
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