Is Lawton’s East Side Being Overlooked? Locals Weigh In

In 2025, Lawton had at least three new businesses open, including Hatch Early Mood Food, the Lawton Aquatics Center, and the Southwest Oklahoma Brewing (SOB). We also had a new Chick-fil-A location open on the west side - another reason why the east side feels overlooked.

When there's an announcement on social media of another new business coming to Lawton, you can bet that there will be at least one comment asking when the east side is going to get something new.

We asked the locals who live on the east side what they would want to see open on their side of town. Despite the question that always creeps up on social media, the comments were fairly mixed. Do Lawton locals actually want new stores moving in on the east side?

East Side Locals Want More Grocery Store Options, Restaurants, and Coffee Shops.

As of right now, the east side of Lawton has Homeland, Dollar General, and Braums for grocery shopping options. Smaller shops, fewer options, and at least 20 minutes away from the nearest Walmart.

Most people said they would love to see better grocery shopping options on the east side, like a Neighborhood Walmart, Aldi, Costco, or HEB.

Even if you didn't want to grocery shop, the dining options aren't much better. You can currently have your choice between Los Tres Amigos and about three other fast food choices.

READ MORE: Groundbreaking Ceremony For Lawton Animal Welfare is March 6

Granted, the Hatch and several other restaurants and breweries sit just a mile or two away from the east side boundary at I-44.

Despite that fact, locals who want to see businesses come to their side of town are wishing for another Texas Roadhouse, Wayne's, TGIFridays, Qdoba, Chipotle, or any kind of nice "sit-down" spot. Some would even settle for a coffee shop, just as long as it gives people the option to sit inside.

But not everyone wants to see new businesses on this side of town.

Other East Side Locals Say Leave It Like It Is.

Even though an overwhelming number of people wanted to see something new, there were still quite a few people who would rather leave the east side as it is now. "If it's not broke, don't fix it," as they say.

One person explained that the east side of Lawton doesn't need new businesses, as it's already been proven to have everything they need.

"When the East side is cut off from the West side by floods, it has everything it needs," they said. "It has grocery stores, fire stations, gas stations, Urgent Care, restaurants, and police who live on the east side."

Another person agreed, saying that the east side was quiet, and they liked it that way. Others simply said they don't want to see the traffic pick up or the vibes change.

What businesses would you like to see on the east side of Lawton?

Share your top picks with us through our app.

Get our free mobile app