- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Gaming
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has expanded its economic footprint with the opening of the Ischoopa Travel Center on its reservation in Livingston, Texas, combining retail operations with Class II gaming.
The new facility features 81 Class II gaming devices in its eastern section, while the western portion houses a convenience store offering snacks, tobacco products, and food service. The development also includes a 12-bay fuel station with diesel fuel operated in partnership with Sunoco LP.
"The expansion of our travel center not only provides economic benefits for our tribe, but is also providing additional jobs and services for our community," Tribal Chairman Rick Sylestine said. "Plus, local residents are excited that we've gone to a 24-hour operation, which is much needed in our area."
The travel center represents a significant expansion of the tribe's gaming operations, which began in 2016 with the opening of Naskila Casino. The casino has grown from its initial 365 Class II gaming devices to more than 900 devices today, according to tribal officials.
Doug Searle, General Manager, highlighted the facility's dual purpose. "Our Naskila team have been working together very hard to make this a momentous day for Naskila and especially for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe," Searle said. "We've given the convenience store a new look while renovating the former tobacco store into a Class II gaming center for our guests to enjoy."
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured cultural elements, with the tribe's two princesses performing the Lord's prayer before 1st Chief Donnis Battise and 2nd Chief Herbert Johnson, Jr. officially opened the facility.
The Ischoopa Travel Center adds to the tribe's existing business portfolio, which includes Naskila Casino's gaming operations, two cafes, and a gift shop. The expansion marks another step in the tribe's economic development efforts and its strategy to diversify revenue streams while providing services to both tribal members and the broader community.
