GolfSuites Tulsa Evicted by Muscogee Creek Nation for Lease Violations

On April 23, 2024, the golf entertainment venue GolfSuites in Jenks, Oklahoma was abruptly evicted by Onefire Holding Company, the business enterprise of the Muscogee Creek Nation. The sudden closure, attributed to lease violations by GolfSuites, left customers with reservations and employees without jobs.

Customers expressed disappointment at not being able to play as planned, with some having paid in advance for their bookings. "We drove an hour to get here, just to find out it was closed," said one frustrated customer who had a reservation for the day.

The eviction also caught employees off guard, some of whom had worked at the venue for up to 6 years. They voiced frustration at the lack of communication and the sudden manner in which they lost their jobs. "I showed up to work and the locks were changed," a former employee stated. Many noted that the unexpected job loss would significantly impact those living paycheck-to-paycheck.

The Muscogee Creek Nation confirmed that GolfSuites did not fulfill the terms of their lease, leading to the eviction. GolfSuites' corporate office in Florida released an optimistic statement hinting at future announcements, but did not provide further comments on the Tulsa location's closure.

Why this matters: The eviction of GolfSuites Tulsa highlights the importance of lease agreements between businesses and property owners, especially on tribal lands. The sudden closure's impact on customers and employees underscores the far-reaching consequences when such agreements are violated.

Jenks Mayor Cory Box expressed hope that Onefire Holding Company would find a new tenant to replace GolfSuites quickly. Former employees said they wished the situation had been handled better by GolfSuites management, with more advance notice and a proper meeting, rather than sudden termination via text message. The closure serves as a cautionary tale for businesses operating on leased property to maintain compliance with their contractual obligations.

Key Takeaways

• GolfSuites in Jenks, OK abruptly closed after eviction by Muscogee Creek Nation.
• Closure left customers with reservations and employees without jobs with little notice.
• Eviction attributed to GolfSuites' lease violations, highlighting importance of lease compliance.
• Closure impacted customers and employees, especially those living paycheck-to-paycheck.
• Jenks mayor hopes for new tenant, while former employees wished for better handling by GolfSuites.