News

DFAC renovations stir up a buzz

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tanisha Brown
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  After being closed for more than two weeks due to renovations, the Dover Air Force Base, Del., Patterson Dining Facility reopened its doors Nov 4.

The renovations, which began Oct. 17, include a re-designed full-serving line, all new serving equipment, freshly painted walls, a centrally-located salad bar; relocation of the sandwich island, silverware, and trays; themed wall décor and a new self-serve ice cream machine.

A significant change is the removal of walls in the general serving area, which as a result, created more space for patrons and workers to operate.

"Knocking down the walls opens up the facility a lot," said Master Sgt. Christian Blankenship, 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron NCO in charge of food operations. "Things seemed very confined before the renovations; hopefully, the open area will help with the congestion and improve customer flow."

Tech. Sgt. Enid J-Ellis, 512th MAS dining facilities supervisor, likes the changes and believes the renovations have already shown signs of promise.

"The new look is refreshing," said J-Ellis. "Things are a lot less cluttered, and you can certainly see a difference in the flow of traffic."

Although the majority of the feedback from the DFAC staff has been positive, customers are expected to need time to adapt to the modifications.

"I think the overall flow will be a lot smoother, it's just going to take some time for people to get accustomed to it," said 2nd Lt. Gabriel Valdeleon, 436th Force Support Squadron chief of food operations.

Tech. Sgt. J-Ellis echoes Valdeleon's sentiments.

"For the most part, this is the first time reservists are seeing this new look," said J-Ellis. "It's going to take some time to adjust, but change is good. Change keeps things fresh and there's always room for improvement."

The latest renovations made to the Patterson Dining Facility won't be the last. The floors in the main serving area will be redone, along with the bathrooms in the facility, said Valdeleon.

J-Ellis encourages Team Dover to get involved with the modifications being made to the DFAC.

"We have a suggestion box in front of the dining hall and suggestions are welcome," said J-Ellis. "When suggestions are made and changes come about, everyone can feel like they're a part of it."