By Kelvin Brown | Muskogee Community Buzz | October 19, 2026

New buildings are taking shape across Muskogee, familiar properties are being prepared for new uses, and a major road reconstruction is approaching along Highway 69.

Some projects are nearly ready to welcome customers, while others are still proposals.

Here is a look at five developments, including four sites photographed by Three Forks Media.

Texas Roadhouse: November 9 Opening Announced

Texas Roadhouse has announced that its new Muskogee restaurant at 2914 W. Shawnee is scheduled to open Monday, November 9, 2026.

The restaurant is near the movie theater and the Highway 69 interchange.

Construction has progressed steadily since May, and our September 29 photograph shows the prominent Texas Roadhouse signage, the finished-looking exterior and parking areas, with construction equipment still at the site.

The restaurant's official website identifies Thomas Dwinnells as managing partner and includes employment opportunities.

Known for hand-cut steaks, fresh bread, ribs and family dining, the restaurant will add another option along West Shawnee.

Opening schedules can change, so residents should confirm final hours with Texas Roadhouse before visiting.

Photo: Texas Roadhouse nearing completion on West Shawnee. Kelvin Brown | Three Forks Media.

Captain D's: A Local Franchise Investment

Construction is underway on Captain D's Seafood Kitchen at 419 E. Okmulgee, immediately beside the existing Church's Chicken.

Muskogee Community Buzz photographed the December 16, 2025, groundbreaking and has followed the progress since.

This is more than the arrival of another national restaurant brand: the same local business operator associated with the neighboring Church's Chicken is behind the Captain D's franchise.

That means the project is also a story about an established local operator choosing to expand in Muskogee.

Captain D's is known for seafood meals, including fish, shrimp, hush puppies and family options.

Our latest photograph shows the building taking shape, workers on-site and the tall roadside sign structure.

There is no independently verified grand-opening date yet.

We will continue to seek additional information about the local franchise operator, hiring and opening plans.

Border Avenue Travel Plaza: Could Denny's Return?

Farther south at 1305 S. 32nd Street near Border Avenue and Highway 69, a nearly 19-acre property is being planned for a travel plaza.

City planning records identify the development as 5th Dimension Muskogee, involving 5th Dimension Food and Fuel Inc. and approximately 18.97 acres.

The City Council approved the preliminary plat in July, and a final plat was scheduled for consideration in October.

We have not independently confirmed the final plat decision.

Early discussions described a possible combination of fuel service, convenience shopping, laundry facilities, restaurant space and additional commercial tenants.

Denny's and Dunkin' have been mentioned as possible restaurants, but neither has been independently confirmed as a committed tenant.

A potential Denny's return is especially interesting for residents who remember the chain's former restaurant at 635 S. 32nd Street.

The possibility is exciting, but it is important to distinguish it from a confirmed restaurant opening.

An earlier February 2027 construction estimate also remains unverified.

Our photograph shows the large existing concrete surface and open grounds before the proposed transformation.

From Valero to RaceTrac Near Hancock Street

Another Highway 69 location has a different kind of story: the former Valero gas station near Hancock Street.

The property is identified with a proposed RaceTrac development at 2300 S. 32nd Street.

City planning documents describe an approximately 18.2-acre subdivision associated with the proposed new gas station.

The planning process advanced through committee consideration in late 2025, but a construction start and opening date have not been independently confirmed.

RaceTrac is known for convenience stores and fuel services serving local drivers and travelers.

This development is separate from the proposed Border Avenue travel plaza and should not be confused with it.

Kelvin Brown's original photograph preserves a view of the former Valero building and pump canopies before redevelopment.

Images like this record the familiar places that can disappear as the city's commercial corridors change.

Highway 69 Reconstruction: Changes on the Road Ahead

Alongside the commercial developments, a major transportation project is expected to affect drivers for approximately two years.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation approved a contract exceeding $44 million to reconstruct approximately 2.5 miles of Highway 69 through Muskogee, including six-lane improvements between Border Avenue and Okmulgee Avenue.

Work is expected to begin around Halloween weekend, October 31 to November 1, with significant traffic restrictions as construction moves forward.

Residents, businesses, commercial drivers and visitors should plan for detours, changing lane arrangements and potential delays.

The highway project and the restaurant and travel-plaza developments are separate undertakings, but all will influence daily life along this important corridor.

More Than Just New Buildings

Each development is a story about investment, work and choices for Muskogee residents.

New restaurants may bring employment and dining opportunities, while travel facilities could provide additional services to motorists and visitors.

At the same time, our locally owned restaurants and established businesses deserve continued support.

We can welcome new businesses while appreciating those that have already invested in the community for years.

At Three Forks Media and Muskogee Community Buzz, we photograph these developments because today's construction site can become tomorrow's familiar landmark.

Which new project are you most interested in?

Are you waiting for Texas Roadhouse or Captain D's, remembering the old Valero, hoping for the return of Denny's, or preparing for Highway 69 roadwork?

Share your thoughts and subscribe to Muskogee Community Buzz for more positive stories from across our community.

Photography and reporting: Kelvin Brown | Three Forks Media. Project details and preliminary opening dates may change.