Olga Perez makes fresh tortillas at Hacienda Vieja .
Several new merchants join Tahlequah ’ s business scene
By SARA SERRANO sserrano @ tahlequahdailypress . com
With several new restaurants , shops , and companies popping up throughout Tahlequah in recent months , the city ’ s business scene is burgeoning .
Nathan Reed , CEO and president of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce , said Tahlequah is growing by attracting new businesses to the community and expanding local businesses .
“ Provalus , Whataburger , 7Brew , the second Taco Bell , Schlotzky ’ s , Tropical Smoothie , and Blue Buffalo Car Wash have all recently opened or are in the building stages ,” said Reed .
Reed said there has also been employee growth from Everise , formerly C3 .
“ We continue to see small business growth and startups as well with Elephant Rock Garden Supply , The Mane Society , House of Vintage and Black Market , Hacienda Vieja , and Town Creek Boutique ,” he said . “ We continue to see growth in the area by attracting new business as well as
Sara Serrano | Daily Press growing existing .” Reed said the city was able to see growth through the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 , Tahlequah saw a slight decrease in both Lodging and Sales Tax collection ,” said Reed . “ However , within a short period both the Lodging Tax and the Local Sales Tax collections increased year over year .”
He said collections in both taxes increased by over 25 % on average for the next many months .
“ There were still many struggles for businesses with regulations to meet and safety to provide customers , but Tahlequah was able to come together and still provide for the community ,” he said .
Reed said he feels the overall business environment in Tahlequah is good .
“ We are a business-friendly and welcoming community that helps businesses thrive ,” he said . “ We continue to look for and implement ways to support businesses and make sure the working environment is positive for anyone looking at the community to start or expand a business .”
6 Tahlequah Daily Press | Green Country Scene • Volume 4 • Issue 1