JENKS, Okla. -- New developments along the Arkansas River are bringing hundreds of new jobs to the area.
Crews expect to open the Flying Tee, a golf-entertainment complex at the Riverwalk Crossing, in about six weeks. Before guests can come and hit golf balls, John Vollbrecht, the CEO and founder of Flying Tee, said he needs to hire about 80 to 90 more people to complete the new staff.
"We're hiring everything from back-of-the-house to front-of-the-house crews members to kitchen supervisors and front-of-the-house managers as we speak," Vollbrecht said.
Other businesses at Riverwalk Crossing are also preparing for the extra visitors. Los Cabos restaurant plans to double the size of its staff in anticipation of a busy summer season.
"Obviously we saw softer sales because of the area," general manager Connie DeLauter said, "but now that it's growing and the Riverwalk is really pushing it to become the place it was in the past, we're super excited. It's definitely going to only benefit us."
The job growth comes as other developments take shape in the area.
The Margaritaville hotel and casino is going in on the other side of the river in south Tulsa. Upon completion in winter of 2016, it is expected to create 800 new jobs.
Crews are also working to finish the THRIVE apartments near the Oklahoma Aquarium. Developers expect the first half of that $13 million project to be competed by July 2016.
City leader also say Simon is working to attract stores to the outlet mall it plans to built in Jenks.
"I think the outlet mall is really exciting because I love to shop," said neighbor Jenny Rush-Buffalohead.
A job fair will be held at Riverwalk Crossing on April 28 and 29. At least a dozen businesses will be there accepting application from 4 to 7 p.m. each day.
