New operator preparing to open School House Slough store, fueling system by Memorial Day

Juan Rodriguez said his plan is to have the School House Slough store and gas pump operational by mid-May.

But he concedes that timeline depends on how long it will take to complete the state permitting process for the fueling system.

Rodriguez, operating as Schoolhouse Slough Convenience Store LLC, submitted the winning proposal for management and operation of the general store and fueling system for Lake Lawtonka’s biggest concession area. Those amenities haven’t been operational since the City of Lawton assumed control of the area on Jan. 1, 2023, after long-time concessionaire Kent Waller ended 25 years of operation. City staff has been working since then to keep some things in motion — they have renewed contracts with year-round tenants, for example — but followed Mayor Stan Booker’s recommendation that the city find someone with experience to operate the store.

Rodriguez was one of two entities that submitted applications, and the Lawton Water Authority (a function of the City Council) accepted his five-year operational proposal last week. Bottom line: Rodriguez has a contract to provide the standard amenities found in a convenience store and also will handle the fueling system, meaning boaters on Lawtonka will once again have a shoreside option for gas.

But the store won’t be all things to all people, at least not immediately. Amenities will have to be phased in, Rodriguez said.

He already has an agreement with the city for his first major project: installation of a griddle, vent hood and fryer. Under the terms of the contract, the cost of his agreed-upon improvements can be deducted from the quarterly payments he will make on the 5 percent of gross sales from the convenience store.

Rodriguez said he’s not sure yet how quickly he can move into food sales and exactly what will be offered. While he has plans for a kitchen to prepare real food — which is where the griddle, vent hood and fryer come in — he has to prepare for that project. In the meantime, there is some equipment remaining in the store and because it is electrical, he doesn’t require a vent hood. That gives him the option of offering things such as pizza.

“I may get the hood installed,” he said, of equipment that must be put into place before he can provide more complex food.

His first goal is to provide the routine items lake visitors will need.

“I want to sell what people want,” he said, adding that definitely includes fuel.

While there are gas stations in the area, using them when you run out of fuel means pulling watercraft out of the water or finding a way to bring fuel to it.

“I’ve seen older people use small buckets,” Rodriguez said about methods to resolve one of the most common complaints he and others hear: why can’t we have a fuel pump?

The fueling system is on School House Slough’s shoreline, but it was shut down when concession operations ended. Restoring the system meant a check to ensure it still meets environmental requirements (it does), then submitting application to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for an operational permit. That’s the part of the process that will determine when the convenience store and pump opens, Rodriquez said.

There are a lot of potential customers. In addition to boats and other watercraft, there are campers and those who use golf carts to get around. Being without a convenient fueling option is causing problems, Rodriguez said, of what he knows will be one of the most popular features to return to the slough.

“I’ll try to be in service as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that restoring fuel operations is priority one.

Other priorities will follow, he said, adding his food offerings may be expanded in a gradual fashion. Some of that depends on what food he will provide and what kind of storage he needs (a freezer now is being used for dry storage). Rodriguez has plans for other additions: he’s starting the ABLE application process so he can sell alcoholic beverages and also has learned he needs a state license to sell live bait.

“Not this year,” he said, of the bait permit application process.

Everything ties together to determine exactly when he will open.

“My best guess is May 15,” he said, adding he definitely will be open by Memorial Day.

Rodriguez, a firefighter who retired from Lawton Fire Department as deputy chief, is familiar with School House Slough and its activities. He smiles when asked why he wanted to take on the challenge of operating a store, explaining he wanted something to do and this seemed ideal.

“I’ll do a good job,” he said.