MEDIA ROOM

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department today canceled the lease concession agreement with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen due to suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.  

In early fall 2021, the department initiated an internal investigation after reports of financial irregularities were brought to our attention. Financial payments for construction costs were immediately halted in September, while management fees were suspended in December. After extensive review, it has become clear the continuation of the agreement with Foggy Bottom Kitchen is not in the best interest of Oklahoma taxpayers.  

While the transition won’t be easy, our first duty is to safeguard taxpayer funds. Oklahoma State Parks staff are reaching out to all existing reservations to ensure any catering needs are fulfilled. Department staff are also working with local small businesses to find creative solutions to meet park guest demands until new restaurant operations can begin in the newly remodeled facilities. Per the agreement, all improvements made to state park restaurants by Swadley’s remain property of the State of Oklahoma.  

Terminating the agreement is the department’s first step. We are continuing to cooperate with investigators and auditors to determine the extent to which unlawful behavior has been perpetuated against the state.  

The department is also exploring options to recover any taxpayer dollars paid to the operator for services or items for which the department was invoiced but ultimately not provided.  

Media Contact:

David White, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department

Director of Public Information and Government Affairs

David.White@TravelOK.com | (405) 815-5113

About the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department works to preserve, maintain and promote the state’s natural assets and cultural richness through tourism. Oklahoma State Parks, which oversees the state parks, lodges and golf courses, is a division of the department. Oklahoma State Parks’ mission is to advance the exceptional quality of life in the state by preserving, maintaining and promoting Oklahoma’s natural assets and cultural amenities. Travel Promotions, another of OTRD’s divisions, administers programs designed to build awareness of the state as a destination and educates on the economic importance of the Oklahoma travel and tourism industry. To learn more about the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, visit TravelOK.com.