ENID, OK - One of Enid's newest downtown eateries has closed the doors. Cherokee Ranch Land & Cattle Company opened in April of 2021. The company weathered setbacks and a year of COVID-19 but they took a chance and opened their doors and welcomed northwest Oklahoma residents.
Rodney Brittain and Stephen Leins spent 5 years tossing around the idea of going into business together. The partners took 31,500 square feet of warehouse located at 112 E. Cherokee and created something unique in every square inch of the space.
Brittain and wife Joni left Enid upon graduation in the early 80's and went on to have careers in other states after college at OSU. The couple has been married over 29 years and had settled in Bloomington, Illinois but continued to return to Enid for visits with family and friends.
2019 was the year that Brittain took action to make their dream of returning to Enid a reality. He brought a background in hotel and restaurant management along with Leins opened Cherokee Ranch Land & Cattle Co. Leins lives out of state but made many trips to Enid to help with the design and planning of the business.
They started the construction phase in January of 2020 when they immediately faced many obstacles starting with the building being broken into and most all of their tools, TV's, computers etc. being stolen.
Then COVID-19 hit. All building materials, equipment, electrical, lumber and furnishings soon took a large increase in pricing causing the build-out to drastically exceed their original budget.
Most all restaurants are now dealing with a slower economy, food supply chain problems, trucking issues, as well as commodity and grocery increases.
After long conversations with the partners and family, the duo decided to close the Ranch and place the renovated building up for sale. It was not been an easy thought process, but many factors contributed to decision.
Brittain said, "We have loved making so many new friends serving you and your families. Thank You to each one that has called The Ranch “home” for the last couple years! We will miss you! To our Team, each of you have made us a success and we are very proud of all your contributions!"
The Brittain's will take time off to focus on family and health. They hope to continue working with the Enid community down the road.
If you are interested in purchasing the building, email rodney@cherokeeranchenid.com.
