Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation
ARDMORE, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) announced today that Chicken Shack will open a new restaurant inside Lake Murray State Park Lodge, bringing a new dining option to one of Oklahoma’s most-visited state parks. 
The restaurant is expected to open before the end of 2026 and will operate from approximately 6,600 square feet inside the lodge. Chicken Shack plans to initially employ 12 to 15 people during the off-season, growing to approximately 20 to 25 employees during peak season. The company plans to hire kitchen and front-of-house employees locally, with support from experienced team members at its existing locations during the opening and transition period.
“Lake Murray is one of Oklahoma’s most-visited state parks, and we want every part of the experience we provide there to reflect what makes it such a special destination,” said Amy Blackburn, OTRD executive director. “Bringing Chicken Shack into the lodge gives our guests another quality amenity and a place to gather and enjoy their time at the park. Chicken Shack brings an established Oklahoma brand, a strong concept and a commitment to becoming part of the Lake Murray community.”
Known for its Oklahoma roots and casual, family-friendly atmosphere, Chicken Shack will bring many of its signature dishes to Lake Murray, including broasted chicken and pork chops, chicken strips and fried okra. The Lake Murray location will use a fast-casual model designed to serve both lodge guests and park visitors, with counter service, dine-in service and grab-and-go options.
“Lake Murray is already a place where families come together, spend time outdoors and make memories, so it feels like a natural fit for Chicken Shack,” said Eddy Gochenour of Chicken Shack. “We’re excited to bring the food people know us for to the lodge. We want to create a place that feels like part of the Lake Murray experience, whether you’re staying for the weekend, spending the day at the park or live right down the road.”
The restaurant was selected through a competitive solicitation conducted through the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) Central Purchasing Division. OTRD spent approximately nine months developing the solicitation and contract documents, including reviewing successful restaurant and concession agreements in other states and more clearly defining the responsibilities of OTRD and prospective operators. 
The solicitation allowed restaurateurs to bid on one or multiple state park locations and required prospective bidders to participate in an on-site visit for each location on which they intended to bid. Proposals were evaluated using best-value criteria that included each bidder’s business and operating plans, food and beverage management, financials, proposed payment plan and company experience.
Under the agreement, Chicken Shack will operate the Lake Murray restaurant through Oct. 31, 2027, with four one-year renewal options. The State of Oklahoma is not remitting any taxpayer dollars to Chicken Shack, however, will provide an initial startup period through March of 2027 before Chicken Shack begins a percentage of revenue remittance to OTRD. The startup period provides the restaurant time to establish operations during Lake Murray’s slower season and offset initial startup costs before remittances begin.
Chicken Shack plans to begin with a limited menu as the Lake Murray location establishes operations, with additional menu offerings phased in during the weeks following opening. The restaurant will adjust its operations seasonally based on park visitation, expanding service during Lake Murray’s peak season. From mid-May to mid-August, Chicken Shack will be open seven days a week.