Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph’s dining facility, or DFAC, which had been closed for renovation since June 2015, reopened last week with a new name, a new look, more food choices and an expanded customer base.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring leaders from the 19th Air Force, JBSA and the Air Force Services Activity highlighted the opening of the Wingman Café Oct. 11.
Formerly known as the Rendezvous Dining Facility, the Wingman Café is a product of the Air Force Materiel Command’s Food Transformation Initiative that began in 2010 and has brought new life to Air Force DFACs.
“At our core, our Air Force is built on innovation and change, whether it’s the aircraft we fly or the technology we employ, so it only seems fitting that we keep up with transformation and take care of our No. 1 resource, which is our people,” said Lt. Col. Amy Glisson, 802nd Force Support Squadron commander, as she addressed guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “That’s what this dining facility, is really all about.”
Since 2012, budget cuts had limited use of the JBSA-Randolph DFAC to Airmen in grades E-5 and below, but the Wingman Café is now open to anyone who has access to the location, a feature emphasized by Glisson.
“What’s so cool about the FTI is that we get to open this up to Airmen, NCOs, senior NCOs, officers, civilians, contractors, dependents, mom and dad, grandma and grandpa,” she said. “If you are on base, you can come in here and eat. So I think the cultural change that this offers JBSA-Randolph is going to be a significant step into the future as we kind of put our arms around and take care of our family members a little bit more.”
Although the Wingman Café’s open floor plan and color scheme make it seem larger, the facility’s footprint is unchanged, said general manager Ammie Whaley following the ceremony.
“We moved the seating to one side and the servery to the other side,” she said. “The colors make a difference, too. The primary color of the walls is dove gray, with accent colors of pale yellow, Air Force blue and rust.”
In addition, the walls of the seating area are adorned with graphics – iconic images of Texas, said Whaley, who is employed by Sodexo USA, the contractor for the renovation project and the facility’s operator.
Food choices – especially healthy ones – are central to the improved DFAC, said Robert Murray, 802nd FSS Wingman Café manager.
“People are in awe of all the food stations and all the choices they have,” he said.
The dining facility offers expanded dining choices, including the Peking Plate, which is similar to a Mongolian grill; a pizza bar; a deli; and fruit smoothies, Murray said. A “Simply-to-Go” section features sandwiches, salads and other snacks prepared fresh each day for faster service. These items are also offered between normal hours of operation.
A “UFood Grill” delivers popular items found at traditional grills, such as burgers and fries, made with fresh produce, whole grains, light cheeses and dressings.
In addition, a breakfast bar features made-to-order omelets and eggs, a variety of breakfast meats, bread choices, hot and cold cereals, yogurt and granola bars.
The Wingman Café is utilizing a color-coded labeling system through the Department of Defense’s Go for Green program to promote healthier food options. The labels give detailed information on the nutritional value of food being served.
In addition to more food choices, the DFAC’s hours have expanded.
Breakfast is served 6-9 a.m. weekdays and 6:30-9:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday. The Simply-to-Go section is open 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.
The Wingman Café served more than 500 diners on its first day of operation, Murray said, and he anticipates similar weekday numbers in the future.
Retirees have not been able to use the DFAC since 2007, but now that it’s open to anyone with base access, Murray believes they will be a common sight, especially for dinner and on weekends.
Diners approve of the DFAC’s transformation, including Airman 1st Class Phuc Hoang Dang, 802nd Force Support Squadron customer support representative.
“There are a lot more food options,” he said. “They’re also promoting healthier food choices.”
Dang, who dined at the DFAC before it was renovated and has been a regular customer since its reopening, said he hopes the FTI concept spreads throughout the DOD.