Sulphur Businesses Destroyed In April Tornado Will Be Springing Back To Life Soon
Several Sulphur businesses destroyed in the April 27 tornado will be springing back to life, some as early as this summer, owners have told the Times-Democrat.
The tornado ravaged much of the Platt District of Chickasaw National Recreation Area before moving into historic downtown area late on that April evening, and exited out to the northeast area of the city, flattening many homes and businesses in its wake.
Other businesses on the edge the tornado’s epicenter in the downtown area have since been repaired and reopened, or moved to other locations. Several other firms that were virtually flattened in the EF3 twister are now in the varying stages of rebuilding.
While this is not a complete list, here are a few of the businesses now being rebuilt in their current location:
•Snak Shak East
•Mixed Mercantile
•Stone Creek Cornerstop/Stone Creek Liquor
•DeArman Funeral Home Two other firms destroyed in the tornado, 3rd & Broadway, Sulphur Abstract and Bates Tag & Title, will also be opening near or in their down- town locations in the near future. Other firms also have announced building plans in other areas of the community or have moved to other locations.
The Mixed Mercantile, one of the businesses destroyed in the historic downtown Sulphur district, could be up and running as soon as late June, according to the owner. Mixed Mercantile
Stone Creek Cornerstop/Stone Creek Liquor The Stone Creek Cornerstop and Stone Creek Liquor will open sometime this summer, owners say. It is located at the northeast corner of U.S. 177 & S.H. 7 intersection.
Snak Shak East owners Billy and Jami (Pitman) Johnson said, depending on weather and availability of building supplies and materials, they should be back open in 6-8 months.
Their building, completely flattened in the tornado, is being rebuilt at its current location at the corner of U.S. 177 and S.H. 7.
The firm will feature new gas tanks and pumps, a deli with the “same great sweet tea and same great chicken legs,” and will be offering the sames services as before.Adrive-thru window in the new building is also a possibility, according to the Johnsons.
“We’re looking forward to being back open,” Jami Johnson said.
The Mix Mercantile, at the corner of West 3rd & Muskogee Ave., in the downtown area, could be open as early as June, according to owner Christy Morris.
The business will be a retail store, offering gifts for all occasions, kids, women’s clothing and an expanded men’s department.
Morris said there will be no restaurant inside, but they will offer daily lunch or dining from their outdoor kitchen, Patio 1924. Weekends will consist of an extended menu for the outdoor dining as well as alcoholic beverages. A family friendly area will also be available, she said.
Morris said an announcement will be made at a later date concerning the second floor of the two-story structure.
“We’re excited to be open again with new ideas, new merchandise and more,” she said.
Also projected for a summer opening are two businesses housed in the same building, Stone Creek Cornerstop and Stone Creek Liquor, at the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. 177 & S.H. 7.
The firm, owned by Lyndel and Meredith Runyan, took a direct hit from the April 27 twister.
According to Meredith Runyan, the firm will feature a convenience store and fuel with a drive-thru window and a liquor store with a drive-thru window.
The couple project the opening date of the two businesses in early summer.
DeArman Funeral Home, located at 1129 West 1st Street, just outside the historic downtown area, was also destroyed in the tornado, and in the last few weeks have begun the rebuilding process.
After the tornado destroyed their building, the firm moved their business operation to an office inside Crossway Church. The firm also has locations in Wynnewood, Stratford, Pauls Valley and Tishomingo.
While these are just a few of the new building projects currently underway, the Times-Democrat will, in the future, feature others who begin rebuilding.
