Development Around Broken Arrowâ€™s Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro is still the big fish, but they were only the beginning. New restaurants and hotels are popping up around the store as fast as they can build them. <br/><br/>News on 6 business reporter Steve

Friday, July 7th 2006, 10:20 am

By: News On 6

Bass Pro is still the big fish, but they were only the beginning. New restaurants and hotels are popping up around the store as fast as they can build them.

News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg shows us the progress around Bass Pro.

It's still half-an-hour before noon and it's already tough to find a parking space at the new Steak N' Shake. Tim Dickey doesn't seem to mind. "I think it's great for Broken Arrow. I like having a Bass Pro Shop here. I've been a fan of Steak N' Shake since 1958 I guess."

Bass Pro shook up the retail scene in Broken Arrow less than a year ago. And there are developments on all sides. Broken Arrow Mayor Richard Carter: "There's actually over $20-million that's already under construction or permitted to start real soon right here in this area, just in this area. They are absolutely just booming out here."

Bass Pro itself hasn't met projections, but Broken Arrow isn't worried, because the store is required to make its full lease payment to the city, regardless of sales. Besides, says Broken Arrow Mayor Richard Carter, there's little doubt the store is generating growth outside its walls. "If Bass Pro hadn't been here, this would still be a hillside where the rabbits and deer would be playing and that's about It."

Tim Dickey: "It's interesting to watch, I mean, every time you turn around, there's something new being built, but y'know, this building over here, do you have any idea what that is."

Well, there's a Los Cabos restaurant, a Lonestar Steakhouse and a Holiday Inn, a Runts Barbecue, a 2nd hotel, and a strip mall are also in the works. Pat Tucker remembers when a phone call to Tulsa was charged long distance. "It's not the small hometown anymore, but we're growing and we don't have go into Tulsa all the time."

Not all growth is good though. Tim Dickey: "thanks to Steak N' Shake, I'll probably gain another 40 to 50 pounds."