Cherokee Nation and Delaware County representatives celebrate the grand opening of Cherokee Casino Grove.
Published January 18, 2017
CNE opens doors to new gaming and entertainment destination
GROVE, OKLAHOMA – Cherokee Nation, Cherokee Nation Entertainment and the Grove community celebrated the opening of the new Cherokee Casino Grove on Tuesday. The new gaming destination brings first-class entertainment and new jobs to the Grand Lake area.
Cherokee Casino Grove created 175 new permanent jobs in Delaware County.
“Cherokee Nation continues to be a good partner in Grove and all of Delaware County. Our new facility creates good-paying jobs and will improve the lives of many local Cherokee Nation citizens,” said Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The jobs and business growth mean Cherokee Nation is investing our money locally and helping build a stronger economy. Most importantly, we are enabling Cherokees to live better, healthier lives.”
The $30 million, 39,000-square-foot facility is the tribe’s 10th casino. The casino features 400 electronic games, a full-service bar, a live music venue, a dance floor, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a restaurant offering a variety of lunch and dinner options. The rustic, lodge-style venue features an outdoor patio and event space for private and community events.
Cherokee Casino Grove celebrates the official opening and the 175 new jobs it brings to Delaware County.
“This new casino allows us to bring our leading entertainment and hospitality experience to Grove,” said Shawn Slaton, chief executive officer of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We are known for quality guest service, being a great place to work and being an excellent community partner. It is exciting to be a part of this vibrant economy, and we look forward to serving this market.”
Cherokee Casino Grove is located on a 24-acre site at Highway 59 and East 250 Road, near Tom Cat Corner and close to the popular Shangri-La Golf Club, marina and resort at Monkey Island.
Artwork displayed throughout the casino was produced by several Cherokee artists and emphasizes the tribe’s use of nearby waterways. The new venue features culturally significant pieces, including a full-size, traditionally carved canoe, a traditional fishing gig and mannequins made in the likeness of actual Cherokee Nation citizens in traditional dress.
“This casino will have a huge impact on our citizens and the surrounding area through jobs and services,” said Harley Buzzard, Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor representing district 10. “The infrastructure improvements required to support the new casino will certainly add to the possibility of future business growth.”
The tribe also invested $3.8 million into the expansion of utilities from the city of Grove to Tom Cat Corner. The water and sewer line extension serves Cherokee Casino Grove, but residents and businesses may also tap into the new infrastructure. The project was a collaboration between CNE, the city of Grove, Grove Municipal Services Authority and Delaware County Rural Water District 10, which helped expand the systems more than 2 miles alongside Highway 59, maximizing the opportunity for future economic growth.
Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the wholly owned gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. The company operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa; nine Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track; three hotels; three golf courses; and other retail operations.
The region’s entertainment leader employs more than 4,000 people. The tribe’s minimum wage is $9.50 per hour, well above the federal minimum wage, and the company offers an exceptional benefits package to full-time employees.
Cherokee Nation and its businesses have a $1.55 billion impact on northeast Oklahoma’s economy.
The post Cherokee Casino Brings 175 Jobs and More Entertainment to Grove appeared first on Native News Online.