Route 66 Christmas Chute Brings Big Business To Sapulpa

Sapulpa business owners are cashing in on all of the visitors coming to town to see the Christmas lights. 

Despite a gray and chilly Friday in Sapulpa, the lights are still shining along the Route 66 Christmas Chute. The dreary weather isn't raining on everyone's parade, especially for business owners in the path. 

"In the last month, we've almost doubled our staff," said Amy Pounds, general manager of Crossroads Cookery. 

Pounds says the restaurant has been packed every night. The wait time on weekends can get as high as three hours. 

"We sometimes can't walk through the restaurant," said Pounds. "We're on a constant line, we have so many servers on, so many employees working at the same time and it still seems like it may not be enough to keep up with the demand." 

At Isabella's Collection, owner Sherrie Curtis is also meeting a lot of people making a first-time trip to Sapulpa. 

"We've met people from Italy, New Zealand, and all across the United States," she said. "We've had a great time."

Curtis has ran her boutique for more than 20 years in town. She says the last two years of the Christmas Chute have transformed her business and the city. 

"I would not have believed it to be this big unless I had seen it for myself," said Curtis.

As hectic as the crowds can be, both Pounds and Curtis say they are grateful to see something so positive come to town. 

The Christmas Chute runs until the end of the year.