For Immediate Release

May 18, 2020

Cherokee Nation Businesses releases plan outlining commitment to safely reopen casinos

“Responsible Hospitality” emphasizes employee and guest safety

TULSA, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Businesses announced today its planned approach to providing a safe environment for guests and employees at its entertainment properties: “Responsible Hospitality.” This carefully developed set of strategies demonstrates Cherokee Nation Businesses’ unwavering commitment to team member and guest safety above all else.  

“How we move forward from this pandemic will be a part of our legacy,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. “We intend to emerge confident in the knowledge that we did all we could to implement industry-leading protocols that promote the health and safety of our team members and guests. While the guest experience will be different than before, we will continue to deliver the same first-class hospitality and entertainment our guests have come to know and love.”

The “Responsible Hospitality” plan addresses entertainment operations protocols including casino gaming, food and beverage offerings, hotel, retail, golf and live entertainment.

• Cherokee Nation Businesses: Responsible Hospitality

It outlines procedures for physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and sanitization, and noninvasive temperature screenings for both team members and guests. Those with a temperature in excess of 100.4 F will not be permitted to enter the building.

Additional measures include limited hours of operation, occupancy restrictions and the required use of masks by all. Guests are asked to bring their own mask, which covers the nose and mouth but not the full face. The Centers for Disease Control advises the use of cloth face masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Food and beverage offerings will be available with additional safety measures in place, though buffet-style venues and banqueted events will remain temporarily suspended.

“The ‘Responsible Hospitality’ plan was designed to be a fluid, evolving program that addresses the needs of now, while working toward the future,” said Mark Fulton, COO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We look forward to revising, streamlining and implementing improved measures as we progress toward a more resilient future and returning our properties, amenities and services to full operation.”

“I’m proud of CNB’s leadership team for prioritizing the health and safety of our business employees and customers,” said Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Cherokee Nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has set a high standard and this phased reopening plan is an extension of that standard.”

Cherokee Nation Businesses operates 10 entertainment destinations throughout northeast Oklahoma, as well as a robust portfolio of nongaming businesses, supported by 7,700 employees. Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of the largest Indian Nation in the United States. CNB blends its heritage of ingenuity with modern business experience to solve complex challenges, serve clients nationwide and remain one of the drivers of Cherokee Nation’s prosperity and stability.