LAWTON, Okla. – Skydance Brewing Co., one of the few Native American-owned breweries in the United States, has announced a new partnership with Apache Casino Hotel, owned and operated by the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, to develop and operate a new brewery, restaurant, bar, and hospitality destination inside the casino and hotel property in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Unlike Skydance Brewing Co.’s previous casino concept in the Kickapoo Casino, which operated strictly as a licensing arrangement, this new venture represents a fully owned and operated Skydance Brewing Co. experience. The project will include a full-scale brewery and production facility, a full-service restaurant and bar, a separate quick-service grill, and a satellite bar located directly on the casino floor.
The restaurant concept will combine Skydance’s signature brewery atmosphere with a more elevated dining experience designed specifically for the Apache Casino Hotel destination. The quick-service grill will feature many of the fan-favorite menu items currently offered at Skydance’s Oklahoma City and Midwest City locations, while the main restaurant will introduce an expanded culinary program tailored to both casino guests and destination diners. The space is also being designed to create one of Southwest Oklahoma’s premier destinations for watching sports, featuring multiple televisions throughout the restaurant, bar, and brewery.
The facility will also feature a large central bar, expansive dining space, and a speakeasy-style concept known as The Eagle’s Nest, inspired by the intimate cocktail lounge Skydance is preparing to open in downtown Oklahoma City in the former Suite B space.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in early summer of this year, with an anticipated opening during the first quarter of 2027.
Founded in 2018, Skydance Brewing Co. originally operated out of The Brewers Union before opening its first standalone location in Oklahoma City in October 2021. In March of this year, the company expanded with the opening of its second location in Midwest City.
Founder Jake Keyes, who also serves as Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, said the partnership represents an important opportunity to continue building Native-owned hospitality and dining enterprises within Indian Country.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Skydance Brewing Co. to Southwest Oklahoma and to partner with the Fort Sill Apache Tribe on a project that represents so much more than just a brewery and restaurant,” said Jake Keyes, Founder of Skydance Brewing Co. and Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. “There’s something especially meaningful about tribes and Native-owned businesses working together to create economic opportunity, memorable guest experiences, and destinations that reflect who we are as Native people today. Having spent years working within the tribal gaming industry, I’ve gained valuable experience in hospitality and guest engagement that I hope will help complement and support the vision and goals of Apache Casino Hotel. We believe this partnership has the potential to create something truly unique for the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, Skydance, and the craft beer industry in Oklahoma.”
“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for the Fort Sill Apache Tribe and Apache Casino Hotel to continue expanding the quality of experiences we offer our guests and community,” said Jennifer Heminokeky, Chairwoman of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe. “Skydance Brewing Co. has built a strong reputation across Oklahoma for its hospitality, innovation, and commitment to Native entrepreneurship. We are proud to partner with another Native-owned business that shares our values and vision for growth. Together, we believe this project will create a unique destination for visitors to our casino and hotel while also supporting economic development and showcasing the strength of tribal enterprises working together.”
The partnership reflects a continued investment in Oklahoma tourism, hospitality, dining, and Native American entrepreneurship while creating a destination that blends craft brewing, Native-inspired cuisine, and elevated guest experiences under one roof in Lawton.
About Skydance Brewing Co.
Skydance Brewing Co. is a Native American-owned craft brewery headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 2018, the brewery is known for combining craft beer, hospitality, and Native-inspired branding and storytelling into a unique brewery experience. Skydance currently operates locations in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, with continued expansion planned across Oklahoma.
About Apache Casino Hotel
Apache Casino Hotel, located in Lawton, Oklahoma, is owned and operated by the Fort Sill Apache Tribe and serves as a premier gaming, dining, and hospitality destination in Southwest Oklahoma.
