Airmen help improve Bandit Inn

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marc Lane
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Force Support Squadron Menu Planning Board met April 16 to offer Airmen an open forum to discuss dining facility improvement at Ellsworth. 

The purpose of the forum was to shed light on the pros and cons of current products and determine new items that could be added to the existing menu. 

"We're going to raise our level of food quality and service by catering to the Airmen, especially those who live in the dormitories," said Staff Sgt. Rhodello Nuval, 28 FSS Food Services production NCO in charge. 

The board meets quarterly in the Bandit Inn to discuss ideas and new approaches to improve customer's dining experience. 

Ideas such as the addition of grab-and-go meals with deli wraps and sweet tea were discussed at the meeting. 

The dining facility has changed many aspects of their operation and will continue to based on the input of their customers. 

"We plan to replace our bulletin board with a large LCD television to notify customers of menu items and upcoming FSS events," said Master Sgt. Jesse Barcega, 28 FSS Food Services superintendent. This is a direct result of customer feedback.

Customer ideas have led to several other innovations, as well. 

"Freeze dried coffee has been replaced by ground coffee to improve flavor," said Tech Sgt. David Booker, 28 FSS Food Services storeroom NCO in charge. Also, soft serve ice cream will be available starting April 25, and breakfast sandwiches have already been added to the menu. 

"The new breakfast sandwich is the greatest thing since a bacon bandit [one of the popular Bandit Inn breakfast items]," said Airman 1st Class Derrick Madden, 28th Maintenance Operations Squadron maintenance documentation and scheduling apprentice. "They're excellent." 

Airmen are the motivation toward dining facility improvement.

"We want to let the Airmen know that they are truly appreciated," said Sergeant Barcega. "That's why we offer an opportunity for them to be heard." 

For more information about menu planning meetings, please call (605) 385-1624.