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June 19, 2009

Putting Catoosa on the map

Walgreens opens; additional projects in the works

By Joy Hampton

June 19, 2009 — CATOOSA – Catoosans welcomed Walgreens as the new location opened its doors for the first time Thursday at 8 a.m.

For store manager Danny Warma, it was a chance to come home again.

Warma graduated from Catoosa High School in 1999. For a time he moved away from his home town. For the past ten years Warma has worked for Walgreens at other locations.

Now he’s back, and he’s the man in charge.

His customers were ready and waiting.

Bob White has lived in Catoosa for 15 years. He’s been watching the store, waiting for it to open. He and fellow Catoosa resident Vernon Watts read the sign announcing that the doors would open June 18. They were among the first day’s customers.

“I’m going to change all my prescriptions here,” said White.

Steady traffic filled the store on its first morning. Among the traditional drug store offerings were specialty items such as green Catoosa Indians T-shirts promoting the high school. Other memorabilia conveys the local flavor of the store as well.

Route 66 souvenirs and Catoosa Casino T-shirts can be purchased by tourists or locals wanting to show pride in their town and region.

“It’s the happiest day in our lives for many reasons,” said local developer Cindy Robson.

Robson and partner Pam Brewer of InvestCom Inc. are developing the corner of Cherokee Street and North 193rd East Avenue across from the Cherokee casino complex.

In addition to Walgreens, there will be a Hampton Inn and Suites and a retail shopping center, The Shops at the Gathering. A Taco Bueno Mexican Grill, an upscale version of the popular chain, sits next to Walgreens.

Robson owns the franchise with husband Lloyd Robson. The restaurant serves the same menu as the normal outlets with additional offerings and an improved interior.

These businesses are expected to be good sales tax generators for the city. While other municipalities have suffered revenue setbacks from declining sales tax collections, Catoosa joins Owasso in continued growth.

Location, they say, is everything.

Walgreens chose the corner due to its proximity to I-44 and the casino complex.

Robson said she and Brewer chose Walgreens from a number of interested drug stores for the site because the chain bought out Raley Pharmacy which had served the area since 1966.

“They didn’t try to run Mr. Raley out of business,” said Robson. “It’s a great thing for the city. We’re excited to help bring things that will put Catoosa on the map, like the Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill that will open at the casino soon.”

The Robson family has deep roots in Rogers County that include banking and ranching.

“Lloyd’s family having had a vested stake in Rogers County, all their lives they wanted the best for the county,” she said.

In looking at clients for the development, Robson said she wanted a high visibility profile, sales tax and ad valorem generators, and a positive image for the Route 66 area.

“Rogers County is a well-kept secret,” said Robson. “We want to bring people here.”

Joyce Raley of Raley Pharmacy said the change is a positive one for her and her husband.

“It’s sad to lose friendships, but it’s a good thing,” said Raley. “We’re nearing retirement. My husband will work three days a week at the Walgreens.”

Raley said she will work at their other business, Laplante Medical, a medical supply business. She’s excited to have weekends off and the opportunity to travel.

Raley Pharmacy has been in Catoosa since 1966 and at its current location since 1989. She said Walgreens will retrieve customer inventory. The transfer will be mutually beneficial she said.

Tuesday will be Raley Pharmacy’s last day in business.

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