News

Dining in style - No reservations needed

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Larger tables and more chairs means that more than 550 Dover Airmen have a nicer place to eat.

The Patterson Dining Facility, which has been around since 1972, has recently undergone its first renovation since 2003. The renovation, completed March 24, cost more than $350,000 and was paid for with a Comprehensive Airmen Fitness grant. This money paid for new furniture, carpeting and a food-service-line update.

"Our customers are enjoying the improved atmosphere," said Tech. Sgt. Luis Pacheco, 436th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of readiness. Sergeant Pacheco is the former dining facility manager. "It's a more modern look."

With all the new upgrades, the DFAC staff has received a lot of positive feedback about the new renovation.

"It looks really nice," said Airman 1st Class Elias Gallardo-Baez, 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician. "It makes the dining experience better; it gives it a lot more relaxing feel."

Taking a different spin on renovation, the dining facility chose to not use the same décor across the board. Instead, each of its four seating areas has its own theme be it a sports pub, a lounge, a diner or a cafe. The renovations also changed the look of the food-service-lines from full stainless steel finish to granite counter tops.

"We wanted to move away from the stainless steel prison look," said Tech Sgt. Star Hoffland, 436 FSS dining facility manager.

The dining facility is often the chosen location for booster club meetings, distinguished visitors, a monthly breakfast for Airmen and the wing commander, base tours and Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center luncheons.

"Our mission is to feed the active-duty on base," said Sergeant Hoffland. "Having the facility look sharp is beneficial. The new atmosphere helps make people comfortable and enjoy eating here."